Catch & Release - Proper release tools!
As most of my followers know, I recently caught an amazing 57" muskie with my grandpa Larry Ramsell, on the beautiful Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, during the Annual Larry Ramsell Fall Musky Outing at the Vermilion Dam Lodge.
Now what does a 57" muskie have to do with catch & release? Read on, I'll tell ya!
After the successful release of my new personal best, Grandpa made the comment "that in 61 years of muskie fishing he had only caught one muskie of that size, they are the fish of a lifetime". My first thought was, had Muskies, Inc. and early catch and release pioneers, such as grandpa not promoted and preached catch & release until blue in the face, this magnificent specimen likely wouldn't have been around for my enjoyment. A lasting memory with my best fishing partner, my grandpa. I will cherish this memory until my dying day.
So, what are some of the best ways to ensure a safe (for both fish, and angler) and successful release?
BEING PREPARED!!! Each time you decide to "pound the water" you should, at minimum, have a plan in your head and constantly be asking yourself, "am I ready? what will I do if a muskie (of any size) bites right now?" Always have a plan in place. If you are with a partner, does he/she know where your release tools are? Are they readily available and within reach? Time can't be wasted searching for these items once the fish is hooked, or in the bag. Keep the fish in the water and only remove it for photographs for minimal time. With today's digital cameras and phones. 10 seconds should yield many pictures. Remember these fish breathe in the water and have just spent a tremendous amount of energy during the "fight".
Now, what are the best tools to carry for proper release and handling? Personally I try and double up on everything just because I like to know that no matter what happens, I am prepared.
The following list and pictures are the basic tools necessary for releasing King Esox!
First: A big landing net, capable of holding muskies. I like Stowmaster products personally.
Second: Long needle nose pliers. These keep your hands away from the razor sharp teeth of your prized catch. Also allowing for easy hook removal, although at times others tools are better suited for hook removal.
Third: Jaw spreaders. This tool will help keep the mouth open allowing you to use the necessary tool(s) to remove hooks.
Fourth: Scissors. In some situations it is best to cut the line and then work on removing the leader and bait. A must if the muskie has rolled and the line is wrapped around it.
Fifth: A hook pick. The "S" bend at the end of this tool allows you to "snag" the hook(s) if they are deep in the mouth or gills. You can push/pull with this once you have the hook. Take great care with any tool when working around the gills to not damage them.
Sixth: Gloves. Musky Armor makes a great pair of release gloves, and because of them I didn't receive a scratch when using the gill hold technique on my giant fifty seven incher.
Last but not least: Hook Cutters. I prefer Knipex as they have been used by many anglers for some time and consistently cut hooks with ease. There are occasions when cutting hooks aren't necessary. However, if the bait is tangled or hooked extremely well it is best to cut the hooks to be able to quickly return the fish to the water. Hooks are inexpensive and can be replaced relatively quickly compared to large muskies!!!
Like with most things in life, experience will help you determine which tool is appropriate for which circumstance. This is just a basic list and explanation. Please use your best judgement and take great care when handling these magnificent creatures.
In closing, I hope that you have a great fall and catch some monsters and have a game plan for a successful release along with the proper tools to do so.
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Keep that lure in the water!
-Caiden "The Muskie Kid" Ramsell
