First and second fish of 2022.........Musky and Musky

[ALS Mako]

Plans for new years day got cancelled due to covid so decided to hit the river. After buying my new liscence for 2022 and renewing ny saltwater registry yesterday (not so hard Andy) and checking accuweather saw that i had a weather window. Got to the river about 8:30 or so. First spot trying for walleyes but i guess eddie caused a major case of lock jaw on the fish. Actually fished on the jersey side today and this spot is hard to fish from shore. Was able to get a walleye on thursday fishing the pa side but thats soo 2021. Well off to the second spot. Wasn't really expecting much with the low water level but maybe i could get a smallie or perch from this spot. About 10 casts in, i'm working my lure back in and bump. I think i'm snagged so i give a quick pop but the jig does not come free....then i see it..f-ing musking come rolling to the surface. Am i hooked to this fish? Yeah buddy. Fish takes off and the fight is on. I could see my jig head sticking out of his mouth so i was was relieved that h3 wasn't gonna break off but you never know. Fought him for a while to tire him out before i try to land him. Awesome fight. Made a bunch of drag pulling runs but was able to get the better of him. Dragged him up on the mud, took a pic, and off he went swimming away strong. Fish was at least 36" or bigger. Checked my leader and it was i good shape. Couple of cast later...bam. second fish on. Really thought it was a smallie the way it hit ..but low and behold i see another musky rolling up top. This one much smaller than the first but still full of vigor. Fought him and was able to drag him up on the mud as my line snaps. Grab him and remove my jig from his mouth. Quick release and off he swam. Rain drops were getting a little bigger so called it a day after a few more casts. Back home by 12. Not a bad way to start the new year.