New state record Muskie ?

[AndyS]

From Greenwood Lake, nothing official yet.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Beautiful fish!!!! It definitely sucks that the beast apparently isn't swimming anymore. Guess this angler didn't want a replica. Ahhhhhhh, great catch regardless!

[Skunk City]

Just read on FB that is weighed in at 40.76 pounds and measured out to 51.5 inches. Not a state record, but close.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Bob Neals, Monksville, 42lbs 13ozs. This angler came real close, WOW!!!:eek:

[ScowardNJ]

I just mugged this off a facebook post.

" Just weighed it in on a certified scale at the hatchery. 40.76 pounds and taped 51.5 inches. Fish was caught 12/14/14 at 7 am on Greenwood. Weighed a day and a half later wonder what the weight loss on that would be? Caught from a boat vertically jigging for walleyes on 6 pound test."

In NJ? :)

[Mikeps326]

Amazing catch! But not that I'm ever going to catch a state record fish but if you catch a record fish it'll be really hard to keep a record fish alive one stress two age and three all the measurements they have to do, don't you guys think they're should be an easier way or does the state make it this way so no one can't catch it next year and get another record?

[AndyS]

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/recfish.htm

[Chrisper4694]

yeah well if you have something that close to a record breaker according to whatever measuring devices you have with you, it's really you're only choice. Unless it's a smaller fish like a record crappie or something and you have a live well...but either way if it does break any records they end up cutting it open and stuff to make sure you didn't stuff it with lead or whatever. so that's just the way it goes. I usually release bigger fish but if i had one that i thought might break the state record, i think i'd do the same.

quite a feat on that set up for walleye especially...some luck too for the teeth to never have hit that line!

[kcritch]

That's a monster...awesome catch! I wonder if it qualifies for a any line class records. I don't believe NJ has records for specific line weights but what about north america or something. I'd be contacting the line manufacturer as well...might be worth some free stuff at least. If that aint the biggest Muskie caught on 6lb test then I'd like to see it.

I'd never hold a record because I'd never be able to keep/kill a fish that big. Unless I was sure I had the World Record LMB...then maybe...that's worth some serious cash. But that aint likely happenning.

[gwl2oneida]

Wondering how many gwl muskie are honestly landed on the nj side. Extremely shallow and doesn't seem to support too much life. The ny muskie record is 69lb. Please no one take this as an attack, that's a hell of an accomplishment no matter where it was caught. I'm just curious to know what people have caught on the nj side.

[The Birdman]

wow shes a fatty.
I was there on Sat and all i got were rocks, tree limbs, old fishing line, towels, and slight frostbite. me on 1 other boat fishing the whole day.

If i were to catch a potential state record i would absolutely try and keep it alive for the official measurements but i did not know they cut it open to check for stomach content. I would rather have the unofficial measurements and pictures vs my name on paper. then release it into wanaque res never to be seen again. thats my 2cents.
where is ther more info on this catch?

[buzzbaiter]

I'd rather throw it back than kill the poor thing for ego or applause. I don't need it hanging on my wall either. It would just be a reminder of a really bad decision.

[PCO]

A Musky with those exact dimensions was C&R this summer out of Small Craft Marina on the NJ side. I guess that fish wasn't so lucky this time!

[AndrewT]

Wondering how many gwl muskie are honestly landed on the nj side. Extremely shallow and doesn't seem to support too much life. The ny muskie record is 69lb. Please no one take this as an attack, that's a hell of an accomplishment no matter where it was caught. I'm just curious to know what people have caught on the nj side.

I can't speak for fish actually caught on the NJ side, but I saw by far the biggest freshwater fish (musky) of my life in Belcher Creek on the other side of GWL Turnpike. We were motoring out of it and I happened to look down in the water and see this torpedo. Immediately screamed for my dad to go back. We were able to find it again but by that time it was spooked. If it wasn't 50" it was damn close. Definitely will never forget it.

[gwl2oneida]

Yea I gotta admit I've seen carp as big as humpback whales in Belchers Creek. However, so much of that south south seems void of all life, probably not deeper that 8'.

[Capt. Lou]

Great catch , but very poor decesion to kill this fish needlessly ! :confused:

[Chrisper4694]

does it matter what side of the lake it was caught on? i though it just mattered where you launched your boat from as far as what state you're technically fishing under.

[jimmythegreek]

I have seen him out on GWL last year. I would guess he launched from willow point thats the only one open right now. NY launch equals NY fish, and he was def fishing the NY side anyway. Thats an OLD FISH, shame to kill it but he prob thought he had a record, maybe it wouldnt revive after the long played out fight??

[gwl2oneida]

I just think it's an odd situation to have an almost record fish come from a bi state lake, that's all.

[kcritch]

I just think it's an odd situation to have an almost record fish come from a bi state lake, that's all.

A lot of bodies of water like that throughout the US...and some of them are huge and border more that 2 states. I'll bet cross border lakes givning up record fish isn't all that rare out side of our little state with it's "little" big lakes. Hell, if you catch a monster in Lake Erie...you got Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, or Canada to choose from! Just need a lot of gas to prove you could have been anywhere!:D

[FASTEDDIE29]

A lot of bodies of water like that throughout the US...and some of them are huge and border more that 2 states. I'll bet cross border lakes givning up record fish isn't all that rare out side of our little state with it's "little" big lakes. Hell, if you catch a monster in Lake Erie...you got Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, or Canada to choose from! Just need a lot of gas to prove you could have been anywhere!:D

Well put YOUNGSTER!!!!!:D:);)

[ScowardNJ]

We launched outta DeFeos today. The dude that runs the place said that fish came up his ramp this weekend. ..So he launched outta NY. Epic fish!

[PCO]

A friend of mine who has caught as many muskies from Greenwood as anybody said the story he heard is he was jigging walleyes on the NY end of the lake and landed it on light line jigging.

[jimmythegreek]

We launched outta DeFeos today. The dude that runs the place said that fish came up his ramp this weekend. ..So he launched outta NY. Epic fish!

the weekend I seen u and skunk out they had the chains up at defeos, its usually defeos and willow point only this time of year. Last year the place next door to defeos was open too in december. regardless can u claim a record fish in NJ this way? Id think not but does anyone know for sure what the regs say? a google search turned up diff answers. one sight says its the state your license is out of if you fish a bi-state lake.

[bigfishy]

Dunoo what the regs say but I would imagine that the state line which runs through the lake has to be on some obscure map the no-body has seen...And whatever side you caught it on would be where you would try fer the record....Of course this would have to be an honor system sorta deal , so we ALL know how that would most likely go, with the NY record being nearly un-attainable.....

I think that the state border rule would be in affect , very similar to the state lines which run through saltwater river mouths and such....Who knows, too lazy to look it up...Just my buck thirty six

[Soulstream]

Ok boys here is the story:
The fish was caught on my boat,the KMB. Myself and 2 buddies launched out of Difeos, and went to the NJ side of the lake to pick up Leon, the guy who caught the fish. He has a NJ license, and lives in NJ. ,saves us a little on parking. We were fishing for walleye , and one of my buddies got his line caught in the trolling motor. I was working on getting the line out of the prop when Leon says "I got one". Not paying attention, My other buddies are telling him he has a catfish, he snagged a fish, etc. Now he circles the boat, and I am paying attention! All I had on board was a little net, so I ask if anybody has a boga, Leon has one. The gripper wouldn't fit around the fish's jaw, so I reached in and gave it a death grip! Leon fits the boga over the fish's jawbone, and in the boat he goes. We are all speechless!

[Soulstream]

pt2
The fish threw up a little from both ends, so I put him in the live well and filled it with water. I tell Leon to go online and look up the NJ record. 42lbs 13oz. I took out my chatillion scale, and we weighed the fish, 45lbs!! He HAD the record! Now to get an official weight. We called 3 bait stores in the area, and nobody even had a scale! We dropped Leon back off to see what he could find and we headed back to the launch. We asked at Difeos, no info on a scale or where to find one. We called police stations, googled meat markets, nobody had a certified scale, and both NY and NJ dec offices were closed. We went to a tackle shop near the lake and they had a digital scale for sale....We explained that we may have a record fish and the store would get credit for the weigh in, and the owner put batteries in it and weighed the fish, 7 hours later. The fish weighed 41.66lbs, but still weighed 44 lbs on my scale. We wrapped the fish in soaked towels, put it in a couple hefty bags, and the next morning Leon weighed the fish in at Hackettstown Dec at 40.76lbs, not a record. We release 90% of everything we catch, but this fish will be on Leon's wall, and should be the new record. Still a day we will never forget

[Jigman13]

Congrats on the fish of a lifetime dude. Must've been insane to witness and participate in all of that.

[MudCat08]

Ok boys here is the story:
The fish was caught on my boat,the KMB. Myself and 2 buddies launched out of Difeos, and went to the NJ side of the lake to pick up Leon, the guy who caught the fish. He has a NJ license, and lives in NJ. ,saves us a little on parking. We were fishing for walleye , and one of my buddies got his line caught in the trolling motor. I was working on getting the line out of the prop when Leon says "I got one". Not paying attention, My other buddies are telling him he has a catfish, he snagged a fish, etc. Now he circles the boat, and I am paying attention! All I had on board was a little net, so I ask if anybody has a boga, Leon has one. The gripper wouldn't fit around the fish's jaw, so I reached in and gave it a death grip! Leon fits the boga over the fish's jawbone, and in the boat he goes. We are all speechless!

Epic fish. Did you remember what pound test line that was that caught it? 6 pound test (as said earlier) is hard to believe even with a wire leader. was it really 6 pound? 60 pound braid is more believable haha!

[kcritch]

That's cool...To get the story straight from the source. Congrats on the the beast dude. Nicely Done.

[Soulstream]

Thanks fellas! Yes, we were all using 6 lb flouro. 38 degree water Definately helped, but Leon played the fish perfectly. I just want to say Leon is my oldest fishing buddy, and I was real proud to be a part of this epic moment

[ScowardNJ]

Awesome fish guys! Cool story! The craziest stuff always happens on a boat when something goes wrong (i.e. line in your TM). Any chance you would want to share what she hit?

[MudCat08]

wow caught on 6 pound test! that's nuts. must be a record all in itself.

[gwl2oneida]

I actually caught mine on 6 lb test as well on gwl. Mine was a baby in comparison, a mere 37." Hit a small spoon in about 3 ' of water off the town beach in april.

[jimmythegreek]

6lb test is very strong, take a look at the IGFA records, most huge fish are caught on 100lb test or less. Anthony landed a big muskie last fall at GWL on 6lb mono and I have landed a big muskie on 10lb floro. its all about a good drag and the proper handling of the fish. The bad part of muskie waters is that many of them are caught on light tackle and are out of energy once the fight is over and they are landed, many fish are carefully handled and released and yet they still die later on after the release. I saw 2 good sized muskie floating last summer a few weeks apart on LH, Id bet both hit light line setups of herring and died post release


NOTE for all you anglers, ANY certified scale can be used to weigh a fish, if you have a potential record just go to the nearest supermarket, post office, deli, anywhere that has a seal on the scale, and its LEGAL. I beleive u need a witness or two not sure on how its legally done but I do know any scale certified counts, and then the state F+G does an autopsy on contents

[stevejordan]

NOTE for all you anglers, ANY certified scale can be used to weigh a fish, if you have a potential record just go to the nearest supermarket, post office, deli, anywhere that has a seal on the scale, and its LEGAL. I beleive u need a witness or two not sure on how its legally done but I do know any scale certified counts, and then the state F+G does an autopsy on contents

id like to walk into a deli and see a 40# musky on the scale lmao

[bigfishy]

Ok boys here is the story:
The fish was caught on my boat,the KMB. Myself and 2 buddies launched out of Difeos, and went to the NJ side of the lake to pick up Leon, the guy who caught the fish. He has a NJ license, and lives in NJ. ,saves us a little on parking. We were fishing for walleye , and one of my buddies got his line caught in the trolling motor. I was working on getting the line out of the prop when Leon says "I got one". Not paying attention, My other buddies are telling him he has a catfish, he snagged a fish, etc. Now he circles the boat, and I am paying attention! All I had on board was a little net, so I ask if anybody has a boga, Leon has one. The gripper wouldn't fit around the fish's jaw, so I reached in and gave it a death grip! Leon fits the boga over the fish's jawbone, and in the boat he goes. We are all speechless!

Awesome that we got to here from YOU!!! A team member of that awesome catch.....Thanks for the reports.....Often times catches of this caliber is a third to tenth hand account by the time it gets HERE, so hearing from an up close witness is priceless....

Welcome to NJfishing.com freshwater board and I hope you stick around and enjoy the site as much as so many of us do !!!:D

[Soulstream]

He caught it on a parrot #7 jigging rapala. Freak thing I would ay, but soft plastics seem to be the way most catch the incidental Muskie

[Mark B.]

http://www.northjersey.com/towns/mt-lakes-man-s-muskie-nearly-beats-state-record-1.1166204

[lennysky]

Hello, this post was overdue and sorry for it. First of all big thanks to Suburban Trends for a great write-up. Want you all to know that I did not seek out any news or fame when I kept this fish. The reporter contacted me independently.
Let me tell you a bit about myself so you know I am telling the truth: Fishing is in my blood since 6. Fished throughout North America since 1980. Hold an advance degree in Environmental Management and own my own Environmental Consulting Company. Conservation is my main priority, but on rare occasion I do keep fish my my family to eat (never to show-off and discard). My wife always taunts me about coming home with nothing (only photographs). Such is life.

I fished for muskies with large baits on Monksville Reservoir for years with no results. Meanwhile, by friend Monksville Mike, a known Musky afficionado, always bragged about all the fish he's been catching there LOL. (Part 1)

[lennysky]

This time, on the water with my long time best friend and fishing buddy Soulstream and 2 others we happened to hook and land this fish (by luck or skill or both). I was shocked but when we put it on a chatilklion scale I only saw #23-23 and was going to photograph and release it, when Soulstream told me: " Which side of the scale are you reading". I said left. "That kilograms: he replied. I looked at the other side and it indicated 45-47 pounds. i was floored. he insisted we keep it and register it. We were right above Storms Is as the NW wind blew us there while my friends were all tangled-up. I asked him to drop me off so that I can research my weigh-in options, but as the story goes my luck was not with me the entire day. A weigh-in at 11AM at Hackettstown indicated a much smaller weight. Previously, my Ichthyology training told me that the fish can loose about 10% and I was unfortunately right. The girth on her was 26-27 inches and the length at 51.5". Do the calculation on-line and you will see that neither myself nor Soulstream are trying to embelish our stories. Feel free to ask questions though. I am getting a double skin mount with original head done. Will see it in 6 months. BTW, no one ever seen such a golden/perl colored musky. Not even at fisheries, which stocked this fish. Thank you for all your input and feedback and tight lines! (part 2)

[The Birdman]

Congrats on a fish of a lifetime man!!! you had the the record! and its pretty cool to hear a first hand account on such an epic NJ catch. and if you were off storms thats an NJ FISH !
ill be up there tomorrow, ive been out the last 4 weekends in a row up there....and the one day we don't go, you pull the record out!

[lennysky]

Good luck pulling them in. Any luck catching walleye from north of Storms? For us, it is hit or miss.

[The Birdman]

Good luck pulling them in. Any luck catching walleye from north of Storms? For us, it is hit or miss.

Thanks len. we usually stay on the north end since we dont know that lake too well..... in our experience (only been out 7 trips up there) its either the fish are ON and chewing or we get only get 1 or 2 or skunking.
other good fisherman on this site say that some days are tough, and others are great. hit or miss for sure.

[lennysky]

Same here. about 2 weeks ago, we got 4 in the boat with the biggest going a solid 5 lb on boga scale. I wish I had my 60LB boga with me this time out, but I only had a 30.

[GetANet]

Welcome to the site, glad to see new people getting on board!!!
We hope to convert all the Lurkers sooner or later!
Yes, We know your looking and reading and gaining info!!!

First and Foremost Congrats on that fish!!!! I agree with you fishing absolutely has a LUCK FACTOR involved and you def had it that day!!!! I can totally understand the situation you were in trying to get it weighed. I admire you for telling YOUR side of the story as well. We all know that musky's and C&R are a VERY TOUCHY SUBJECT!!! But to each his own, I have never caught one yet but I guess if I had a possible state record I would have thought the same way! Hopefully I will get that chance someday!!!LOL
The mount will be something you will remember for ever rather than just letting it go to waste after such along period before it was weighed.
I am also glad to see you explained the situation as it happened not letting people distort the truth and bash you. Now a days everyone is quick to shoot off their mouths and give their opinions but in the end it was your decision and nobody can take that away from you. From what I gather you release most of your catches so taking one possibly for the books is okay by me!

[lennysky]

Thank you for understanding. I am sure we all get our day in the sun eventually. That memorable Sunday was mine. If not for Soulstream's "Death Grip" on the Musky's tail I would never have landed her on 6lb (2 year old) trilene line. This was my steelhead Daiwa reel, which has a super smooth drag (thank God!). G Loomis rod also helped out in this case.

BTW, the lure I caught the fish on was lodged a foot into the fish's moth and wrapped in gill rakes, making it bleed profusely. May not have survived even if I would have released it. The line was to the side and around the operculum. All it had to do is open its mouth and shake its head 1 time - would have been over.

[ScowardNJ]

Lenny!!!!Welcome to the site!!!!Congrats on that catch of a life time!!!Very cool of you and your crew to share your story first hand with us!!!There are a bunch of walleye addics here that fish Gwl and Skunks!!! Hope to see more reports in future!!!

[lennysky]

Absolutely will. Personally, I don't discriminate when it comes to fishing. I fish all species salt and fresh. As long as I am outside with my friends, a cigar and a hot cup of coffee and stories to tell (sometimes exaggerated ones), I'm good to go. I always fish under a license within each respective State, keep only fish of proper size and report illegal activities to proper authorities.

[lennysky]

As requested, here is another great picture curtesy Soulstream

[AndrewT]

Awesome fish and story. Thanks for sharing

[briansnat]

As requested, here is another great picture curtesy Soulstream

A lot of small fish are thanking you for removing that monster from the lake.

[lennysky]

That's what my friends were saying but walleyes didn't thank us that morning. Lol. Maybe another day though

[muskynut]

Wildlife Preservations in Woodland Park, NJ George Dante if you want the most incredible mount you will ever see. Congrats on an incredible catch....I was out there that day and just missed you guys.....Capt. Dave Vollenweider:D:D

[lennysky]

I retained Mark Buechel of MCB Taxidermy from Kinnelon, NJ to do a full skin mount with original head. Hope it comes out good. Soulstream will be on GWL next weekend for sure.

[muskynut]

If you ever have some time on your hands take a ride to George's place in what used to be West Paterson.....it's like Orange County Choppers of taxidermy....I just go down there every once in a while to see what he is working on.....an incredible painter who specializes in custom replicas from your fish. Expensive but worth every penny....he's done quite a bit of work for the American Museum of Natural History. Just food for thought when you catch your next monster. Again congrats on an incredible catch......

[lennysky]

Yeah I will. I think he's related to one of my clients. Was told he's about $45/inch on fiberglass. I figure if I can get my mount for $12/inch I can always have another specialist repaint it later.

[AndyS]

A great read, welcome to the site. No stranger to the state record stuff as my wife had to weigh her trout at a supermarket on an early Sunday morning.
Keep the reports coming in !!!!

[lennysky]

Thank you for all the attention. One question: has anyone ever see such a yellow musky?

[lennysky]

Can't speak for your experience but all scientific literature and experience w fish tell us otherwise. 10% is the norm. I studied ichthyology in college and we netted specimens which were weighed at the boat and later in the lab.

[lennysky]

We weighed the fish on a boat after which time it threw up from both ends. Read the thread. When I took it out from the wrappings 30 hours later it kept pooping stuff up. Plus, scientific studies strongly confirm weight loss through desiccation after death (read it yourself). The previous record was not weighed on a state scale the same way mine was. It was frozen cause it was caught in the winter. Technically frozen fish don't qualify

[lennysky]

Read online but during freezing weight gets added according to some scientific sources

[GetANet]

Hey Lenny, FORGIT ABOU IT!!!!

There's always gonna be opinions and comments some good some not so much!!!
You caught a freakin MONSTER Musky on walleye taclke!!!!
Who really cares what anyone other than your friends have to say about it!!!!!
Your wasting valuable fishing time trying to justify and convince the masses!!!!

[lennysky]

I agree w you buddy. It's just the scientist in me was having a hard time not to justify. I'm over it long ago

[O'Connor]

Gents,
Never said you did not have the record. Only that I do not agree with the weight loss theory. at those measurements I think it is more likely the "official" scale was off. I would go down and hang a 45 lb gym weight off the scale used to initially weight the fish then hang it from the "official" scale and see what it says. anyway I am going to delete my prior posts. once again nice fish, congrats.

[GetANet]

I am not looking to cause a storm either. I was just stating a fact that's there is always going to be a million questions and inquires any time somebody is lucky enough to catch a fish of a lifetime! Kinda seems like everybody is callin this poor guy out for one reason or another and all he did was go fishing like most of us and caught a beautiful fish. Bla Bla Bla sorry but it gets old after a while. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that's cool but sometimes I think they are best kept to ourselves. It's all good here!! FISH ON!!!!!

[lennysky]

No need to delete your post. You voiced your opinion that's all. When I was younger I used to question things too LOL. Now I just know. All one has to do is go online and do the research. Also there is a length to girth calculations for musky. 26" girth and 51.5". Plug it in. We are all in the ballpark. Fish was exceptionally wide. I know several fish were longer then mine but hardly wider.

[CPR1]

I know this is an old post but being new to the board, I would like to respond. My two cents, there will always be controversy when dealing with a record fish that has been kept. You will see everything from questioning the weight/length to questioning the ethics of keeping a trophy. No one knows exactly what they would do with a potential record in the boat, until it is in the boat.

In my opinion, the Neals record is shaky at best. For a 48" fish to be 42+ pounds is basically impossible. I talked to many of the folks that were there when Neals caught the fish and most say that it was Monksville Sport Shop looking to get the publicity associated with this catch, so the weight was exaggerated. MSS has been out of business for a while, a lot of good that did for them. I have never given that record any credence.

This is no doubt is one of the heaviest muskies recorded in NJ and made public. There are lots of stories of musky fishermen releasing potential state records. I have seen two with my own eyes. Congrats on the catch and very fortunate line placement. Diehard musky fishermen always want a diehard to catch the record fish. Ironically, it often ends up being a jig fisherman or some old lady in a beach chair, fishing with a worm and bobber. I don't think I could kill an animal of this stature, which has persevered that long through life and attained that size. I fish with a guide in Canada, who on several occasions, has released WORLD RECORDS. In the world of muskies, this is indeed a big fish, however, numerous 50-60 pound muskies and bigger have been documented in the US and CA. Big for NJ.

In the end, it all depends on what you want out of fishing and what is most important to the individual fisherman. We are all ENTITLED to keep legal, trophy fish. Consider this - What is gained & lost by keeping this fish and what is gained and lost by releasing this fish? I'd be interested in hearing from the members of this board to answer that question. To me, it's recognition vs. conservation.

[lennysky]

CPR1 what you are saying about the old NJ record is contingent with what some other members expressed openly and privately to me. The old record is questionable based on its length, girth and appearance. Plus it was never officially weighed by the state, which is a newer requirement in NJ. Like I previously stated if I can certify my catch with my scale and the amount of physical witnesses it was have surpassed the 42+ pounds by 2 pounds at least. But what are we to do? Can an old record be discredited? Is it ethical to request such a thing? I don't know all I know is my fish was officially 40lb12oz. His fish at 48 inches would have been 35-38lb max. I would never in a worl embellish my catch as it is a very personal thing to me and not the way I was raised. Why would anyone do it I don't know.
In terms of keeping this fish, trust me I had to make very difficult and quick decision to keep or not. If I had state on speed dial and can keep the fish alive for a weighin and release, I would do it. But such was not the case. To all you CR fellow fisherman I apologize in advance as I don't keep anything I can't or won't eat. Sometimes I wish someone else catch it so I did not have to go through al the dilemma and stigma attached with such an accomplishment. Leo

[lennysky]

Does anyone know where I can locate info on Bob Neal's 1997 Musky record. Specifically looking for length and girth data. Thank you.

[catfishonthelake]

It was reported at 48 inches with a 26 1/2 inch girth.

[lennysky]

Where was it recorded? If you know

[catfishonthelake]

I don't know. I found those stats in an old Manny Luftglass book that was written around the time the fish was caught. Apparently, some people question whether it was ever weighed on a certified scale. 43 pounds is a lot of weight for a 48 inch fish, but if it truly had a 26 1/2 inch girth than it's possible. I don't even get into conversations with people who try to discredit that fish. As far as I'm concerned it's legit until someone proves otherwise. Congrats to Bob and congrats to you on two spectacular fish.

[lennysky]

Incidentally my had the same girth but was 51.5". I'm working on verification of the facts cause many don't believe Bob's record was legit.

[catfishonthelake]

This isn't a new debate. There is debate surrounding almost every record catch in the history of fishing. With all due respect, enjoy your catch and don't spend too much time "verifying facts" to discredit someone else's fish so that you can get you name in the record books.

[lennysky]

Frankly It's not about recognition but about honesty. If I was able to weigh the fish remotely like Bob did, I would have had the record regardless whether or not his was legit or not. The new system allows for a bit of credibility to our certified scale system vs shops being able to say someone brought in a record so that fishermen flock to buy useless expensive lures or rods. Historically speaking numerous records got overthrown due to people coming forth with info countering the lie, if any. Of course all questions can be questioned, but not in the modern age of technology and now especially since NJ instituted a new system. It's not fair to all of us that some records were recorded on an honor system while others had to wait to have their fish properly weighed in. There is extensive statistical data on musky size vs length from northern states and not a one 48 inch fish reached 40 pounds.
I guarantee it will become harder and harder to get a record in NJ as the Amex predators will be faced with shortage of forage of appropriate size to make them grow. Just venting, but personally I would never lie about a fish size. Just me.

[catfishonthelake]

LOL, you're nutty bro. Let it go. Look man, all I do is fish musky and I'll be the first to tell you that I'm jealous and would have love to have caught this fish myself. That being said, there will certainly be fish of this caliber that are caught through the years, and probably have been caught, but released and not reported. The muskies in this state are getting bigger, not smaller. Probably 90 percent of the muskies caught in this state, some over 50 inches, are caught by the same 20 or so guys, released and the pics are shared on private text messages and not message boards. The only reason you may not see a new musky record is that almost all of the musky guys I know would release a state record fish, and some of them probably have.

And if honesty is your quest, maybe you can look into whether the state record pike was actually caught in Pines Lake and not Pompton. Because if it was caught in Pines Lake, which everyone knows it was, it would be disqualified since Pines is a private catch and release only lake. And hmmm, that also makes a 4 and a half pound crappie out of Pompton look a little suspicious too. And isn't it curious how the picture of the state record carp was taken with water in the background, even though you can clearly see that the fish has been dead for several days. Since you seem to be the ambassador for honest fishing records, maybe you can clear up all these mysteries while you're NOT looking for recognition.

Ha ha!!! I'm done. G'night.

[lennysky]

I think you are only telling me this is because those 10 guys which constantly fish for murkies and are after the record have not succeeded while a relative novice musky fisherman has. How many of you holding a record in your hands would opt to release vs keeping it for an official weigh in. I don't know anyone who would not strongly consider it.
I don't keep what I don't eat and I would not eat a musky but I would certainly weigh in a potential record if I thought I had one as I think many of us would.
Yes, there r many questionable records but the honesty lies with the fisherman to a point with the other side of it remains with the validity of the size based on witnesses and a valid scale, I had 3 people on our boat witness my fish and its original weight. I only wish the State can take our word for it they did for Bob. iGFA can certainly certify our scale as they do for line class records.
Good night.

[bunker dunker]

why don't you go talk to bob.he is a great guy and I have fished with him on
the lake quite a few times.no need to drag his name around as dishonest or otherwise,just go talk to him.he fishes river stix allot thru the ice.

[lennysky]

I did not say he was dishonest. Many indicate the shop at monksville was. I said I would never embellish. I wish I could fish w Bob but not in river Stix. After his catch I tried fishing monksville for muskies too. He was my inspiration. I would also like to inspire up and coming anglers one way or another.

[joelo7]

I am also an avid muskie fisherman. 99 percent of the time i am on the water i am fishing for muskie.
Just wanted to chime in about the State Record topic.
I personally think this fish was a state record, at the time in wich it was caught. I just dont understand why people get so caught up in the hype. I believe there are multiple records, that something went "wrong" in the process and the fish is not what it is claimed to be. That being said it was an impressive catch to say the least.
I have to agree with Catfish though as far as being in the Muskie circle there are quite a few fish each year caught by the same few fishermen in the 48-50 something inch range. That dont get posted here, or on any forum. Im not saying any of them were a state record, just saying there are multiple nice fish caught annually. I believe the current record can and will be broken. NJ has an impressive muskie fishery as far as im concerned and it continues to improve, thanks to the our friends at hacketts town.
I personally would release a fish that was potentially a record. I would get more enjoyment out of watching the fish swim away, and knowing another angler can potentially catch that fish also. I think as long as you know what you caugth and so do your buddies thats all thats important. All im trying to say is I think more people share the same view as Catfish than you think.
I think there is something to be said about people who spend hundreds of hours on the water, casting big blades and lures weighing up to a pound, and wouldnt think twice about snapping a few photos, taking measurements and releasing a potential record. I personally would get more pleaseur out of making a replica for the wall, and giving another angler a shot at landing that fish.
Again not trying to take away from the catch in any way, as i think resluts may have been different had it been weighed sooner than later.
It is the anglers choice what they want to do with the fish and im not looking at anyone different for choosing to keep it.
Point of wich i am trying to say is there are Multiple large fish caught each year. The state record will eventually be broken again. The muskie fishery is continuing to improve and so are the caliber of the fish.
Each year my numeber of fish caught goes up a little, and there are a few nice ones in the mix. To me consistently boating fish is what its about!
just my .02

[UglyStick]

I agree 100% with Catfish and Joelo7 and couldn't have said it any better myself. As an avid musky fisherman and conservationist I would also release such a fish. I too believe that there are many would be record fish caught and released and have seen a number of credible photos to that end.

You had a great catch and regardless of whether the fish was kept or released, be happy with that and move on.

[Gatto1227]

I agree 100% with Catfish and Joelo7 and couldn't have said it any better myself. As an avid musky fisherman and conservationist I would also release such a fish. I too believe that there are many would be record fish caught and released and have seen a number of credible photos to that end.

You had a great catch and regardless of whether the fish was kept or released, be happy with that and move on.

X2

congrats on the catch. absolute fish of a lifetime regardless if it was kept or released. Youre intitled to do what you want with a legal fish. ive fished for them hard the last couple years and have seen a bunch of absolute monster fish caught. I know a guy that caught a "54 incher" out of one of the lakes I fish and saw the pictures. record or award was never a thought to the guy. Only concern was getting her bacK in. A lot of people put in a lot of work to get the fishery to what it is now. Most guys out there including myself release everything.

[catfishonthelake]

I think you are only telling me this is because those 10 guys which constantly fish for murkies and are after the record have not succeeded while a relative novice musky fisherman has. How many of you holding a record in your hands would opt to release vs keeping it for an official weigh in. I don't know anyone who would not strongly consider it.
I don't keep what I don't eat and I would not eat a musky but I would certainly weigh in a potential record if I thought I had one as I think many of us would.
Yes, there r many questionable records but the honesty lies with the fisherman to a point with the other side of it remains with the validity of the size based on witnesses and a valid scale, I had 3 people on our boat witness my fish and its original weight. I only wish the State can take our word for it they did for Bob. iGFA can certainly certify our scale as they do for line class records.
Good night.

Ha ha. C'mon man? Novice musky fisherman? You were fishing for walleye. Don't make it seem like you were out there hunting monster ski's and just happened to catch the state record. Are you really going to try to tell me that you were out there targeting musky with 6-lb. test? At the end of the day you got lucky, plain and simple. Nothing like letting this go to your head.

And if you want to talk honesty, where exactly on the lake did you catch this fish? We know you launched from the NY side of the lake, and all the deep water I know where guys fish for walleye is in NY. Would you even be eligible for a NJ record if you launched from NY and the fish was caught in NY? Maybe you should start working on debunking Arthur Lawson's 69-pound fish from the Larry in case it comes out that you're not being HONEST.


Give it a rest man. You caught a great fish and plenty of people are aware of that and have given you credit for it. You're really taking away from you catch by crying like a little girl.

[catfishonthelake]

BTW, in case you were interested to see what real musky fishermen do when they catch a state record.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=100808&posts=23&start=1

[lennysky]

BTW, in case you were interested to see what real musky fishermen do when they catch a state record.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=100808&posts=23&start=1

Apparently I upset you somehow. Sorry about that. But several things that you should know: I conceded that I got lucky. I caught fish in 17-18 feet and you telling me Nj side does not have this depth? NJ fish and wildlife traps numerous mu skies off of south end. And finally, if I did catch this fish in NY side, because it is a bi-State lake NJ is my jurisdiction for registration or at least this is what I've been told. None of your claims hold water, but I understand why you are skeptical. It's ok as it is human nature and your right

[catfishonthelake]

Apparently I upset you somehow. Sorry about that. But several things that you should know: I conceded that I got lucky. I caught fish in 17-18 feet and you telling me Nj side does not have this depth? NJ fish and wildlife traps numerous mu skies off of south end. And finally, if I did catch this fish in NY side, because it is a bi-State lake NJ is my jurisdiction for registration or at least this is what I've been told. None of your claims hold water, but I understand why you are skeptical. It's ok as it is human nature and your right

You upset me when you started acting like a jackass trying to discredit someone else's fish so that you get your name in the record books in the name of "honesty."

And actually, my claims do hold water. I believe the reciprocity for Greenwood has to do with fishing licenses, not state records. State records need to be caught in the same state as the state record. You may want to check up on that.

And yes, the state does net muskies on the south end IN APRIL WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO SPAWN. Those nets are set at the mouth of Belcher Creek when water temps start to come up into the high 40's. Most of those fish leave after spawning and very few remain when water temps drop back down below 50 in the fall. You asked about the odd color of your musky, well here it is. The color of your musky is typical of a fish that has spent it's entire life in deep water. I know that there is 17 to 18-feet of water on the South End of the lake, but I actually do have a very hard time believing that this fish came out of 17 to 18-feet of water. Why don't you just tell us where and clear up all the uncertainty.

[stevejordan]

who care if this guy wants to get more info on the old record... he probably did catch a state record, and if that happened to me and i kept the fish id be asking questions too. also plenty of musky come out of water even more shallow than 17ft so i dont understand that argument either... ease up fellerz

[lennysky]

Thank you. Exactly right, I killed this fish knowing it was a record therefore I challenge the validity of the old one. Otherwise the fish died in vain. Many expressed to me the need to challenge the book. I did not come up w it myself.

[catfishonthelake]

I don't really want to belabor this anymore. I just think it's wrong that he's trying to poke holes in someone else's story. Like I said, let it go and enjoy looking at the magnificent fish on your wall.

I'm done ranting.

[lennysky]

You upset me when you started acting like a jackass trying to discredit someone else's fish so that you get your name in the record books in the name of "honesty."

And actually, my claims do hold water. I believe the reciprocity for Greenwood has to do with fishing licenses, not state records. State records need to be caught in the same state as the state record. You may want to check up on that.

And yes, the state does net muskies on the south end IN APRIL WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO SPAWN. Those nets are set at the mouth of Belcher Creek when water temps start to come up into the high 40's. Most of those fish leave after spawning and very few remain when water temps drop back down below 50 in the fall. You asked about the odd color of your musky, well here it is. The color of your musky is typical of a fish that has spent it's entire life in deep water. I know that there is 17 to 18-feet of water on the South End of the lake, but I actually do have a very hard time believing that this fish came out of 17 to 18-feet of water. Why don't you just tell us where and clear up all the uncertainty.

Mr catfishonthelake apparently you are a musky expert. Can you show me a single photo of a similarly colored fish that came from deep water? Also, in the fall how deep do we fish for eyes in low light conditions? Deep? I think not. Not more than 25ft. Most fish coming in less than 20ft. Don't be jealous. I feel bad as it is keeping this fish

[15FOOTER]

Put on that "self-proclaimed unofficial record belt"and wear if proudly!!! lol This site is great..makes my work day go by so much quicker..let the big onez live guys :cool:

[catfishonthelake]

Mr catfishonthelake apparently you are a musky expert. Can you show me a single photo of a similarly colored fish that came from deep water? Also, in the fall how deep do we fish for eyes in low light conditions? Deep? I think not. Not more than 25ft. Most fish coming in less than 20ft. Don't be jealous. I feel bad as it is keeping this fish

For real, I'm done with this, but look up pics of Joe Satkowski and Webguy's 50-plus inch fish over the last few years, I think you'll find a striking resemblance.

There are obviously plenty of holes in your story, which is why I'm saying to let it go. And you can clear a whole lot of my skepticism up by just saying where on the lake you caught the fish.

[lennysky]

Love this site too

[lennysky]

For real, I'm done with this, but look up pics of Joe Satkowski and Webguy's 50-plus inch fish over the last few years, I think you'll find a striking resemblance.

There are obviously plenty of holes in your story, which is why I'm saying to let it go. And you can clear a whole lot of my skepticism up by just saying where on the lake you caught the fish.
You want me to lie to satisfy your inquisition? Won't work, but it is the truth. Fish came from shallow water like it or not and from NJ side like it or not. If you know that fish are trapped boom Belchers area why won't you go there in late February or early March and pull a 40+ pounder. Good luck in your fishing adventures and I hope one day you will post a picture of a State record fish here for all to see. Best of luck and hope to see you on the water under different, happy circumstances. Perhaps I buy you a beer

[lennysky]

For real, I'm done with this, but look up pics of Joe Satkowski and Webguy's 50-plus inch fish over the last few years, I think you'll find a striking resemblance.

There are obviously plenty of holes in your story, which is why I'm saying to let it go. And you can clear a whole lot of my skepticism up by just saying where on the lake you caught the fish.
I tried ascertaining pictures you referred to but could not find them. Appreciate if you can point me to them. I googled hundreds of musky pictures and could not locate one quite this pearly

[bigfishy]

Put on that "self-proclaimed unofficial record belt"and wear if proudly!!! lol This site is great..makes my work day go by so much quicker..let the big onez live guys :cool:

And that goes fer ANY and ALL species.... Those large fish have good genetics, and it would be nice if they passed on those good genetics to future stocks...

80204

Just a thought?? But really, I don't care...What you do with your legal sized fish is ur business within the local regs....

[lennysky]

Agree with releasing big fish to spread genetics but muskies are not really reproducing in NJ due to unfavorable environment. Or at least this is what I've read.

[catfishonthelake]

Their eggs most likely don't hatch naturally, but the state nets fish from Greenwood and milks them for their eggs. And since they set their traps in the South End where you caught your fish, it's genetics could have very easily been passed on.:D

[lennysky]

Not too many people keep muskies for food or at least this is what I believe. I don't even like pickerel that much and they taste good. Catch and release generates higher than you think mortality as well (thus dead muskies found floating in Greenwood). One fish kept (considering potential for record) will not make a major difference in a recruitment program. Dont be so critical of me keeping a fish, I pay taxes and license fees like all of us to make this program successful.

[stevejordan]

theres only one thing we can all be certain of here: you wont find me swimming in greenwood lake after seeing that 51.5 inch monster lol

[lennysky]

Word