Finally got my first Musky

[buzzbaiter]

Personally I wouldn't have mentioned "it died" part. Up til then it was a good story

I make it a rule not to upload pics of fish that died. First of all seeing it would make me feel like sh*t and secondly I think its bad luck. We have all been there - I've had a 18" wild brown, 21" bass and numerous large pickerel pass away on me before I stopped using barbed lures and multi treble lures. It really does make a difference. Just pinching barbs down can increases survival by half I'm willing to bet. Most pike I get on single hook buzzbaits and spinners baits. So far - knock wood - no casualities I'm aware of and thats over 300 fish last few years.

People need to lighten up for crying out loud. We all makes mistakes, many of them innocent ones which this was. There's always the "Holier than God" crowd which feels compelled to be the judge and jury of everyone else. Masters of the Universe who do no wrong. I can understand people being upset when a trophy fish dies, I do as well. BUT clearly it was not the intention of the angler in this case to kill the fish and he posted an honest assessment of what happened in the hopes as he said that others will learn from his experience. In the process of doing so, he puts himself out in front of the court of public opinion where some feel obligated to tar and feather him regardless. I'm sure anyone complaining have themselves at one point or another in their life been in a similar situation whether they'd admit to it or not. I give this young man credit for putting in the hours and catching a truly trophy fish. If he fishes with Chrisper I can assure you he's an upstanding guy. Shit happens and in this case it did. Was it intentional...no. Could it have been prevented......yes but how many times have we as fisherman done things which weren't necessarily the smartest things in the world because of our desire to catch a trophy fish. I'm sure he won't make the same mistake again and I'm also sure others will learn from his honest post. I give him credit for having the courage and class to post the entire story. Ignore the haters, they always have something negative to post regardless of the circumstances. What matters is you had a great day, your enthusiasm for the sport is compelling and you learned a valuable lesson in the process. Unfortunate the fish died but it happens at times. Make a great mount and you'll have a memory of a lifetime!

Dakota

[RyanMac14]

Nice fish buddy. You learn from your mistakes which many of us have in all walks of life besides fishing. You made your mistake and good on you for putting it out there for people to learn that certain fishing really is no joke. Congrats again on the trophy and hope your stuffin does it justice.

[GetANet]

bla bla bla bla !!! Nice fish, sucks it died but now you know.
Being properly prepared for the fish you pursue is the only way.

[Jigman13]

Nice fish. Ya live ya learn...she'll make a good mount.

Always have your PEN15 on you and be sure you have a set of BA1100Ns within reach.

[AndyS]

Nice fish !! Congrats, definitely contact a taxidermist.

[Predator]

I understand catfishonthelakes displeasure. Im sure the first advise on proper gear Mark gave was to always have a giant net. It's Musky fishing 101. Kinda like a slap in the face if you ask me. Just hope you learn from it and not repeat the mistake. Too bad that old Musky doesn't get a second chance.

[Andrushkin33]

You know after reading all this I understand where Catfish is coming from. After all advice was given it will sting you when person will do a 180 and do complete opposite of what was suggested.

I would hate to see another pike go belly up on me after all the techniques and advice that was bestowed on me but all of you guys here. That would be like a slap in a face to you guys at least in my opinion.

Sure Fool was probably half expecting to catch anything but as all of us know that's when some of the best fishing moments happen. When we least expecting them and that's why all of us should be ready for anything.

Catfish was right when he mentioned that site should promote conservation and in my opinion there is plenty of advice regarding this.

But "drama" should of been handled in a private matter and not posted outright. God knows we have enough of it already.

Much love to all.

Andre

[JerryC]

congrats!!!!