So far this year, in just four trips since getting my charter-boat license, we have landed 38 muskies. Only one fish was kept, and it weighed 32 pounds. Most people choose to put 'em back. McKenzie and I took photos, and Rinckey and Stachecki landed fish. We hooked five fish during the storm-shortened day, and landed four.
Muskie fishing is grand sport, and it is getting better each year.
Steve VanAssche promotes releasing big muskies, and his clients agree with that philosophy. I have nothing against a client keeping a 30-pounder for a trophy mount, but I've taken people fishing who choose to release all trophy fish. Perhaps in a few years we will again be catching some of those legendary 40-pounders that made Lake St. Clair famous 40 years ago. If that happens, and muskie fishermen feel it is possible, it will be one of sportfishing's major success stories.