Lake Hopatcong Musky

[catfishonthelake]

Hope I'm not blowing up any spots by telling people where I caught this musky. I saw the weather report last night and it looked like more musky weather. Just a day or so after the new moon, cloudy, windy...I took a shot. Rented a boat from Dows and headed to find some weeds and warmer water. After 3 hours of casting a big jerkbait, I got bit...and good. Landed her in short order, got her free, put my camera on my cooler and set the timer, and let it go. Something I want to mention is that I'm not screwing around with these fish. I use a XH action St. Croix Legend Tournament Musky rod with a Shimano Calcutta 400B and 80-pound braid. I have a Stowmaster net so the fish can stay in the water while it's unhooked and I only take it out for a photo and to release it. Most importantly, this fish would have died if were not for a pair of Knipex hook cutters. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering musky fishing to make the proper investments so these fish can be landed quickly and released unharmed. What a day though. Fantastic. And I say GODDAMMNNN, IT'S ONLY FEBRUARY!!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

WOW That's one hell of a fish and some great pics. Thanks for posting it here.

[bunker dunker]

way to go catfish,your heart beat slow down yet.that a good one for sure.

[Wilson]

Get a job
Nice looking fish.
Was a bit blowey out there today...no?

[JerryC]

I'm impressed, shes a beast!!!!!!!

[Matt L]

How come I don't see a pic?

beautiful catch....mind describing the jerk bait you were using and technique?

[catfishonthelake]

Originally Posted by rockdoc

beautiful catch....mind describing the jerk bait you were using and technique?

It was a gliding jerkbait. I was giving it slow, short pulls and letting it sink slowly.

[Moz]

Congrats, awesome fish and awesome picture.

[bronzeback]

What A Muskie... Fish Of The Year.. For Sure!!