Muskie Mortality Experiences

So, just because I choose to fish for muskies whenever I get the opportunity (maybe 2 – 3 hours a week) even in July and August… and don’t catch anything… does that still make me an idiot?

You guys do what you gotta do. Maybe you guys should start trying to convince the DNR that it would be a good idea to shut the season down in Aug and Sept if you feel so passionate about this.

I also wonder why most muskie guides don’t turn away business in July and Aug if 80% of the fish they are catching are dieing. Why is it that the majority of the lakes I’ve fished or my buddies fish, continue to get better if most of the fish we catch are dieing?

I guess my point is, I don’t believe 80% of the fish being caught are dieing.

First things first, do any of you naysayers have any proof to back up the idea that a fish caught this time of year properly handled will ulitmately die because of water temp? If so please include a link to the study.

Second, so you so called muskie gods have a clear understanding of what the routine is when “we” catch a fish…. Fish hits, 30 seconds to at most 2 minutes later fish is in the net (thanks solely to the fact that we use equipment that allows us to “horse” our fish). Said fish sits in the water still contained in the net. One guy opens the board up, other guy turns the camera on. Guy who caught it grabs the fish and immediately lays it on the board, a couple of photos are taken. Fish is immediately put back in the water and released when ready to go. The whole process typicaly takes less then five minutes, including cutting or pulling hooks. Of that, the fish is out of the water for around 30 seconds.

So, can you “would be” marine biologists, show me how in fact that this is destined to die.

As far as I am concerned you can stuff your oxygen levels at the surface, and temperature for that matter. How many fish have you seen porpoising in the middle of a 95 degree day? I think you are all underestimating just how hardy these fish are. But again, if you can point me towards some sound scientific research on the subject, I am more than willing to read. Until then, as always, what you have said is just your opinion.

Quote:

---

Muskies feed up…run a crank 20 feet down and how deep did that fish come from? Pull that fish from a comfortable temp, fight it to the boat, F#$k around with it in the net, measure it and pick it up for a picture so that you can post it on the internet so everyone thinks you’re great, put it back in the 81* surface water with low dissolved oxygen levels, Dick around some more trying to get an accurate measurement so Bob and Dan believe you…might have a floater?

Water hits 80 and I chase Smallies, hell after the first two weeks in June I’m lucky if I pick up a Musky rod til Sept. except for a LOTW trip. Mille Lacs will not get hot enough to be dangerous IMO, too big a body of water and it blows way too hard out there. I just hate that pond in the summer unless I’m Walleye/Smallie fishing. For Muskies, idiot fishing if you ask me…go to the north end and cast a double ten in the dark with the other fifty boats, catch a fish…”wow! I’m good at this Muskie thing..I should be sponsored and fish tournaments”…HAHAHAHA think again.

As for the “that fish isn’t what it is because you don’t have an accurate measurement” thing, well you’re not in a tournament so who cares? If you think it was that big than it was to you and who cares what others say? I don’t carry a camera or a measuring stick anymore, a big fish is a big fish.

I do like the pick a neutral lake and fish against each other deal…I might be in on that

---

\
Lets do it!! Send me pm as to when you would be able to have a friendly head to head on a neutral lake and we will do some serious fishing? You name the price?

Quote:

---

First things first, do any of you naysayers have any proof to back up the idea that a fish caught this time of year properly handled will ulitmately die because of water temp? If so please include a link to the study.

Second, so you so called muskie gods have a clear understanding of what the routine is when “we” catch a fish…. Fish hits, 30 seconds to at most 2 minutes later fish is in the net (thanks solely to the fact that we use equipment that allows us to “horse” our fish). Said fish sits in the water still contained in the net. One guy opens the board up, other guy turns the camera on. Guy who caught it grabs the fish and immediately lays it on the board, a couple of photos are taken. Fish is immediately put back in the water and released when ready to go. The whole process typicaly takes less then five minutes, including cutting or pulling hooks. Of that, the fish is out of the water for around 30 seconds.

So, can you “would be” marine biologists, show me how in fact that this is destined to die.

As far as I am concerned you can stuff your oxygen levels at the surface, and temperature for that matter. How many fish have you seen porpoising in the middle of a 95 degree day? I think you are all underestimating just how hardy these fish are. But again, if you can point me towards some sound scientific research on the subject, I am more than willing to read. Until then, as always, what you have said is just your opinion.

---

Here’s an excerpt from an article done by Rod Ramsell in ESOX Angler a few years ago.

In case you aren’t familiar with the name, Rod Ramsell is a fisheries specialist with the MN DNR. I think he probably knows something about this…

“If you are angling during the summer months, the recovery of fish subjected to exhaustive exercise is complicated by an inverse physical relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen. The higher the water temperature, the less dissolved oxygen water is able to hold in solution.”

So, all things being equal, a fish released in high water temps has a higher chance of delayed mortality than a fish released in cooler water temps.

Here’s a couple more articles with some good info…

http://afs.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1577%2FH03-024

It seems to me that if other WARM water fish are effected, then it isn’t that much of a leap to infer that muskies are going to be negatively effected as well.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/pubs/fishing/catch_and_release_review_and_guidelines.pdf

Check out “Temperature” on Page 8. Dr. Casselman is one the big guns in the world of Musky Biology. His “opinion” should stand for something. At least it does in my eyes.

Quote:

---

First things first, do any of you naysayers have any proof to back up the idea that a fish caught this time of year properly handled will ulitmately die because of water temp? If so please include a link to the study.

Second, so you so called muskie gods have a clear understanding of what the routine is when “we” catch a fish…. Fish hits, 30 seconds to at most 2 minutes later fish is in the net (thanks solely to the fact that we use equipment that allows us to “horse” our fish). Said fish sits in the water still contained in the net. One guy opens the board up, other guy turns the camera on. Guy who caught it grabs the fish and immediately lays it on the board, a couple of photos are taken. Fish is immediately put back in the water and released when ready to go. The whole process typicaly takes less then five minutes, including cutting or pulling hooks. Of that, the fish is out of the water for around 30 seconds.

So, can you “would be” marine biologists, show me how in fact that this is destined to die.

As far as I am concerned you can stuff your oxygen levels at the surface, and temperature for that matter. How many fish have you seen porpoising in the middle of a 95 degree day? I think you are all underestimating just how hardy these fish are. But again, if you can point me towards some sound scientific research on the subject, I am more than willing to read. Until then, as always, what you have said is just your opinion.

---

Read the post. We are putting together ideas as to why there seems to be quite a few floaters lately on lakes??? Just ideas!! Thats proof right there that there seems to be a problem? Doesnt it Mr. Larson? Or what else would you need to see, to prove to you there happens to be an issue? As musky fisherpeople, in my opinion, if we know what causes them to die, we can protect the future of muskie fishing by doing the necessary things. On the other hand, you can turn your head, and say you dont care, and not care about the future.

Quote:

---

“If you are angling during the summer months, the recovery of fish subjected to exhaustive exercise is complicated by an inverse physical relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen. The higher the water temperature, the less dissolved oxygen water is able to hold in solution.”

---

Define exhaustive. I can’t remember the last time we put a fish in the net that showed any signs of being exhausted. Again, where is the study, i.e. fish tagged and followed after being caught to see if they die. In priniciple, I agree there may be an increased threat to the fishes health if mishandled or fought for an extended period.

But let me ask you this, have you ever fished Eagle Lake off 169. In the summer that lake is a bathtub. Guys pummel it day in and day out. In all the times I have ever been out there I have never seen a fish floating.

Actually, any metro lake for that matter. How come they are not littered with dead fish in the summer? I know guys are out there catching them. Does it not stand to reason that these are the hottest lakes in the state temperature wise? How could there be any fish left if 4 out of 5 die after being caught?

By all means, those that cling to the idea that catching muskies in the heat of summer kills them, hang up your gear, I certainly won’t miss the extra guys on the lake.

Quote:

---

Read the post. We are putting together ideas as to why there seems to be quite a few floaters lately on lakes??? Just ideas!! Thats proof right there that there seems to be a problem? Doesnt it Mr. Larson? Or what else would you need to see, to prove to you there happens to be an issue? As musky fisherpeople, in my opinion, if we know what causes them to die, we can protect the future of muskie fishing by doing the necessary things. On the other hand, you can turn your head, and say you dont care, and not care about the future.

---

Where have you been? Musky fishing is better then ever! Why? Because people aren’t catching them with cane poles anymore. Guys no longer consider 20lb mono heavy line. The old fish stories of battling Moby for 30 minutes, are just that, old fish stories. You guys that hang it up to fish bass, you’re the ones killing muskies! You wouldn’t think twice about playing a fluke 40 incher for 20 minutes on your bass tackle, only to have it snap you off next to the boat.

Don’t try and call me out for not looking forward, or neglecting the future of Musky fishing! I’ve put my time in with Muskies Inc. I show people the proper ways to fish for, handle, and release fish. If you really want to know why there are dead fish, just open your eyes. The sport has gained so much popularity over the last couple of years that everyone and there mom thinks they can successfully fish muskies. 3/4 of the people have no idea how to properly handle a fish. They are fishing with gear that is way too light, and exposing the fish to too long of battles. I would love to tell these guys to come back later when you have “invested” in the sport. Can I? No.

Until you guys can tell me exactly why a fish dies, and I mean each fish you see floating. I find it outlandish that you can somehow conclude that it is the sole result of being caught.

Quote:

---

In all the times I have ever been out there I have never seen a fish floating.

By all means, those that cling to the idea that catching muskies in the heat of summer kills them, hang up your gear, I certainly won’t miss the extra guys on the lake.

---

Not all dead fish float

Nobody is saying that death is certain, at least I’m not, but the odds are increased.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

In all the times I have ever been out there I have never seen a fish floating.

By all means, those that cling to the idea that catching muskies in the heat of summer kills them, hang up your gear, I certainly won’t miss the extra guys on the lake.

---

Not all dead fish float

Nobody is saying that death is certain, at least I’m not, but the odds are increased.

---

Exactly, alot are ont he bottom, so you dont even see them, unless in shallow w/ real clear water

Here’s the Temperature section from the Casselman article I posted. Take a minute to read it.

“Temperature
Evidence suggests that catch-and-release mortality is directly related to water
temperature, with mortality increasing at extreme temperatures. In a seasonal comparison of
hooking mortality of bluegill, Muoneke (1992b) found that mortality was greater in the summer
when water temperatures were highest. However, this study did not account for other variables,
such as differences in feeding rate or reproductive status, which may have increased mortality
during the summer. Similarly, mortality in cutthroat trout has been shown to increase from 0 to
8.6% as water temperature increased from 8°C to 16°C (Dotson, 1982). In a meta-analysis of
black bass mortality associated with tournaments, a strong relationship was found between water
temperature and both pre-release and post-release mortality (Wilde, 1998). Research from
walleye tournaments indicates that mortality increases with water temperature and suggests that
tournaments should be limited to the spring and fall (O’Neil and Pattenden, 1992), or when water
temperatures are cooler than 15.6°C (60°F) (Boland, 1994). Wilkie et al. (1997) examined the
post-exercise physiology of Atlantic salmon at 12°, 18° and 23°C, and found that physiological
recovery was slowest at 12°C, however, there was significant mortality at 23°C. This result
suggests that warmer temperatures facilitate recovery but that extremely high temperature
increases mortality.
Nuhfer and Alexander (1992) found that mortality increased with water temperature in
brook trout that were bleeding from the gills or throat area as a result of hooking. Mortality has
also been found to increase with water temperature in smallmouth bass (Cooke and Hogle,
2000), largemouth bass (Gustaveson et al., 1991; Meals and Miranda, 1994) and striped bass
(Nelson, 1998). Interestingly, Bettoli and Osborne (1998) found that catch-and-release mortality
in striped bass was linearly related to air temperature but not water temperature, suggesting the
temperature during air exposure may be more important in determining survival than actual
water temperature. These studies demonstrate that catch-and-release mortality increases with
temperature and special care should be taken with fishing during extremely warm weather.
There has been a similar concern with releasing fish that have been angled during icefishing
and exposed to cold temperatures. It has been suggested that eyes and gills can be
damaged from freezing on extremely cold days. However, studies examining catch-and-release
survival of walleye during ice-fishing found no evidence of damage or mortality caused by
exposure to cold temperatures (Ellis, 2000). Thus, while brief exposure of fish to cold
temperatures may not cause mortality or damage, it is best minimize the time that fish are kept
out of the water when ice-fishing.”

See all those names and dates in parentheses? Those are references to actual data from actual studies done on actual fish. These are studies done by educated and trained scientists/biologists. These guys know a thing or two.

No, they didn’t actually tag a muskie and watch it die after being caught in warm water, but with a little open mindedness and some scientific thinking one can easily make the obvious connection.

If you don’t see them, how do you know that they are there? I think this has gotten way blown out of proportion. I think you guys are looking for a problem that really isn’t there. Unless you can tell my why a fish is floating, or on the bottom for that matter, I think your speculation is unfounded and scientifically unsound. They can do hundreds of studies, but it all comes down to one thing; how was the fish handled. That is where the problem lies, not in the act of catching itself.

You should look closer at what you just posted. The paragraph goes ahead and qualifies itself as borderline non-scientific from the get-go.

“Evidence suggests”

“this study did not account for other variables,
such as differences in feeding rate or reproductive status, which may have increased mortality
during the summer”

Where is the control group? They fully acknowledge that they cannot account for outside variables when recording results.

Names in parenthesis, (Larson) there, now am I a reputable source?

Data can be manipulated to demonstrate whatever the researcher wants to convey. Do you believe in global warming? How about that the ice caps are going to melt in 50 years and we are all going to drown?

Don’t go all in on some DNR researchers findings, quite notoriously natural resource departments are underfunded, understaffed, and ultimately somewhat incapable of doing authentic scientific study.

Take Mille Lacs for example. Would you say the DNR is managing scientifically, or politically? What have they actually instituted as far as management practices that have done jack squat to control or enhance the fish population? Mother nature made that lake, it will give us good, and it will give us bad, regardless of what we do to control it.

My point being, and this is the last time I am going to bother to say this is; the way the fish is handled from hook-up to release will dictate it’s survival. I cannot discount that warmer water temps could harm the fish, if it were mishandled, but to say we shouldn’t being fishing for them during the summer months, that is just stupid.

Nobody is arguing that handling does not have a toll on fish, but evidence has shown that even with exemplary handling of fish the chances of delayed mortality are increased in warm water. That’s good enough for me to take a few days off when it really gets hot

Quote:

---

So, all things being equal, a fish released in high water temps has a higher chance of delayed mortality than a fish released in cooler water temps.

---

Hmmm that is rocket science. So what exactly is “higher chance”???????? So a fish would survive 98% of the time in “Cooler” temps. With this HUGE increase in mortality with WARM water temps the mortaility rate could be 97.5%. Give me hard facts with data and specifics instead off “increased chance”, “warmer water temps”. Please define warmer, etc. Remember press and writers of all sorts use these tactics to sway you one way or the other without ever having to give hard data. That increase could be a half of a fish out of 100 that probably was gut hooked.

It appears that lakes like Mille Lacs that gets pounded every day during the WARM months and WARM water temps is severly being affected. I don’t think there are any fish in the lake and let me tell you the ones that are they are not very healthy either.

So, with all this Scientific Hard Data that you are coming up with, I say we just shut down all lakes July 1st till September 10th for all species of fish. So we do not hurt any of those poor fish.

I’m with Dan that is fine fish for Bass, less people.

Wait a minute, what about the poor Bass increased mortaility in the “increased Water Temps”?????? With all the muskie guys fishing for Bass, the Smallies and Largies will become extinct by the end of this Hot Summer.

Don’t even think about taking up[ Walleye fishing, there are already too many dead floaters out there.

Gol’ darn it, now I have to turn in my bow, because if I shoot a trophy deer. Guess what??? It increase his Mortality rate.

Quote:

---

but to say we shouldn’t being fishing for them during the summer months, that is just stupid.

---

Great discussion. I’m not a scientist, so I cannot give any type of stats. Could water temps cause increased mortality? Probably. However, there are so many other factors.

1. Hooks: I know of a good stick who had a large fish die before it reached the boat. Great equipment, fishing cold water in Canada. The hood was a little too deep and pretty much went into the brain of the fish and killed it. Guy was crushed.

2. Poor Equipment: There was a guy in the Star Trib a few years back who landed a 50″ on Tonka using a walleye rod, 10lbs mono, throwing a large bait (Jake or Believer). There are people doing this more than you think.

3. Harvesting for Meat: I met a “die hard” who told me he consumes two to three muskies per year.

4. Trophy Harvest: I know of three fish over 50″ out of Tonka in the last few years that became skin mounts. I don’t know the people personally, but one was the aforementioned Star Trib guy, and two other were photos in bait shops. I also know of a fish that was maybe 40″ harvested from Tonka because it was someone’s biggest fish.

5. Bait Design: Does anyone ever take the rear hooks from a trolling minnow bait? When there are three sets of trebils the front two usually go in the mouth. The rears like to mess up eyes, which can blind the fish, which then makes it more difficult to feed.

6. Poor Handling: This has been addressed.

7. Poor Release Tools/No Tools: Pliers, knipex, spreaders, tooth stick. All of these things can save a fish, but does everyone use them?

I’m not saying the science on warm water mortality is wrong. I think it makes sense. However, there are many things that can kill fish. If we attack people who fish warm water, then we better be ready to attack the whole industry. Complain to the tackle companies for baits with too many hooks. Yell at guides who fish in July. Cancel the subscription to MH and EA for writing articles about targeting fish in the middle of summer. Everyone should do what they think is best. If you think it is the right move then do it. The only way to be 100% sure that we protect fish is to stop fishing and stop boating.

P.S. Slow Rollin, you went after Mr. Larson for his position. Yet, you were the one who agreed with Kid’s post about not fishing warm water. If you agree and are so concerned, why are you fishing in the metro in July?

Well said Pess;

Actually;
well deciphered!!!!!

Quote:

---

Great discussion. I’m not a scientist, so I cannot give any type of stats. Could water temps cause increased mortality? Probably. However, there are so many other factors.

I was agreeing that maybe thats why the reports have been so poor this yr. Nobody is going to stop fishing,unless it is totally 100% proven, that this is the case as why they are dieing>>>?????
1. Hooks: I know of a good stick who had a large fish die before it reached the boat. Great equipment, fishing cold water in Canada. The hood was a little too deep and pretty much went into the brain of the fish and killed it. Guy was crushed.

2. Poor Equipment: There was a guy in the Star Trib a few years back who landed a 50″ on Tonka using a walleye rod, 10lbs mono, throwing a large bait (Jake or Believer). There are people doing this more than you think.

3. Harvesting for Meat: I met a “die hard” who told me he consumes two to three muskies per year.

4. Trophy Harvest: I know of three fish over 50″ out of Tonka in the last few years that became skin mounts. I don’t know the people personally, but one was the aforementioned Star Trib guy, and two other were photos in bait shops. I also know of a fish that was maybe 40″ harvested from Tonka because it was someone’s biggest fish.

5. Bait Design: Does anyone ever take the rear hooks from a trolling minnow bait? When there are three sets of trebils the front two usually go in the mouth. The rears like to mess up eyes, which can blind the fish, which then makes it more difficult to feed.

6. Poor Handling: This has been addressed.

7. Poor Release Tools/No Tools: Pliers, knipex, spreaders, tooth stick. All of these things can save a fish, but does everyone use them?

I’m not saying the science on warm water mortality is wrong. I think it makes sense. However, there are many things that can kill fish. If we attack people who fish warm water, then we better be ready to attack the whole industry. Complain to the tackle companies for baits with too many hooks. Yell at guides who fish in July. Cancel the subscription to MH and EA for writing articles about targeting fish in the middle of summer. Everyone should do what they think is best. If you think it is the right move then do it. The only way to be 100% sure that we protect fish is to stop fishing and stop boating.

P.S. Slow Rollin, you went after Mr. Larson for his position. Yet, you were the one who agreed with Kid’s post about not fishing warm water. If you agree and are so concerned, why are you fishing in the metro in July?

---

Well done Pess. I think ALONG with the water temps these all add to it, however I don’t think water temps ALONE result in large die offs. I have enough faith in the DNR and marine biologist around the world that if warm temps. alone would result in mass kill offs after catching,then our fishing season would be about 2 months shorter seeing as how all game fish would be off limits for summer.

Gees Dan……. settle down, it’s just a discussion.

1. I don’t claim to be an expert on anything. I just remember an issue of Musky Hunter…… like 2 or 3 years ago talking about this.

2. It wasn’t even a full article, it was a blurb “suggesting”.

3. If compared to the University of South Dakota’s tanked walleye study in 2000, this blurb made sense.

4. I’m friends with a guy (who I refuse to drag into this because he’ll speak if he wants to…… but he’s on this site) who holds a wildlife and fisheries biology degree and has worked for the DNR. The fish that die from delayed mortality DO NOT FLOAT.

So, without proposing anything as “gospel”, I’ve formulated an opinion based on CONTRIBUTION, NOT unyielding results.

Bass are hardier and more plentiful than muskie. Bounce a muskie around in your live well for a spell, take it to be weighed in, and then released. How well would it do?

All I’m saying is that I’ve read things and seen study blurbs that have helped me realize that I have to opportunity to CONTRIBUTE to bad results.

In the USD’s walleye study, they showed in water above 80 that even quickly played fish, properly handled, only reduced the outcome. 35% swam off, only to die 3-7 days later.

Dan, proper handling is certainly helpful. But if I have to prove delayed mortality exists with a link, can you equally provide me with a link that states proper handling guarantees safe survival? You too have taken what you know and formulated an opinion. All were asking here is that ours be considered……… equally.

Still,

I’m not questioning you I’m just curious. Do you know why delyaed mortality fish don’t float?

I also left a key factor off my list. Here goes…

8. Does Every Fish Need A Picture?: I have almost completely stopped CPRing fish (Catch Photo Release). Most of my fish are CRed. If she don’t look 45″ or larger the hooks get popped and she swims. If larger, I’ll take a quick photo depending on the fish, my mood, etc. I’m not preaching to anyone. ( I got ripped by someone on another site who said all fish are an important memory that should be savored). But I think this helps those little guys turn in to piggies someday.

Quote:

---

I also left a key factor off my list. Here goes…

8. Does Every Fish Need A Picture?: I have almost completely stopped CPRing fish (Catch Photo Release). Most of my fish are CRed. If she don’t look 45″ or larger the hooks get popped and she swims. If larger, I’ll take a quick photo depending on the fish, my mood, etc. I’m not preaching to anyone. ( I got ripped by someone on another site who said all fish are an important memory that should be savored). But I think this helps those little guys turn in to piggies someday.

---

I dont either. no need for pic. just a good memory and what tactic worked. excellent point. anything under 40 we try to lighty shake off ( i am saying that not in a cocky way, but better for the fish), i am happy to boat even a 33″ fish.

Quote:

---

Still,

I’m not questioning you I’m just curious. Do you know why delyaed mortality fish don’t float?

---

With the studies done on other species, when a fish swam away “unharmed”, they consistantly went down in the water column, eventually found a place to rest and died 3-7 days later. They reason they don’t float is because they’re swim bladder is already adjusted to keep them down. See, just because a fish needs oxygen doesn’t mean it’s full of air. It can adjust the bladder to maintain any depth it pleases….. within it’s physical capabilities, of course.

Even a fish dying naturally…. as long as the fish hasn’t been to the surface gulping air and inflating the bladder to stay at the surface, they’re made to sink and become food for the rest of the lake’s ecological dependents. Even the floating fish…… provided they don’t reach shore, will eventually sink and fall into the same cycle of nature.

This physical characteristic makes the studies of delayed mortality very difficult to conduct within natural means. How can anyone monitor acres and acres of water on a 100% coverage basis? Daily?

Didn’t the MN DNR make “pens” for researching released fish a few years back? I forget how that whole thing was done but it was again regarding walleye research. Learning how fragile large walleyes are and then reading/hearing how fragile large muskies are, I have to consider the possibilities.

If these fish weren’t “delicate”, why would we bother with all the other practices of safe release? Wetting hands before handling, cutting hooks, leaving the fish in the water, and nursing their strength back by holding they’re tail and facing the head into any currents, if any exist, to get oxygen to the gills? Why are these practices in place if this fish isn’t …….. well…….. a bit wimpy in the stamina department?

Cruise the serious muskie angler sites and you’ll find a staunch belief in the care and treatment necessary to provide a better fish and fishery for tomorrow’s angling. Why is that? Again, there are those who have committed themselves to the “business” of muskies and muskie angling. They’re finding trends and talking about them. If warm temps are setting off alarms, again…….. why is that and why wouldn’t we want to consider it?

I realize that every ideal will have it’s opposition. But if there is truth, it will be found and supported by those who chose to do so. It may not mean something to everyone, but you know, the truth does not require anyone’s belief. The truth is the truth and it simply needs to be found out. And it will be found out and it will be told……….. by someone, someday. But who will reject it? Who’ll accept it?

I still want to fish those big ‘uns more than anything…… so it’s tough…… but I don’t want to ignore warnings that come from those involved in research either.

Salt is good……..then salt is bad………. then salt is good again. I’m just trying to consider what sits best with me and share my thoughts with others. Hopefully we’ll know more in the coming seasons.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Still,

I’m not questioning you I’m just curious. Do you know why delyaed mortality fish don’t float?

---

With the studies done on other species, when a fish swam away “unharmed”, they consistantly went down in the water column, eventually found a place to rest and died 3-7 days later. They reason they don’t float is because they’re swim bladder is already adjusted to keep them down. See, just because a fish needs oxygen doesn’t mean it’s full of air. It can adjust the bladder to maintain any depth it pleases….. within it’s physical capabilities, of course.

Even a fish dying naturally…. as long as the fish hasn’t been to the surface gulping air and inflating the bladder to stay at the surface, they’re made to sink and become food for the rest of the lake’s ecological dependents. Even the floating fish…… provided they don’t reach shore, will eventually sink and fall into the same cycle of nature.

This physical characteristic makes the studies of delayed mortality very difficult to conduct within natural means. How can anyone monitor acres and acres of water on a 100% coverage basis? Daily?

Didn’t the MN DNR make “pens” for researching released fish a few years back? I forget how that whole thing was done but it was again regarding walleye research. Learning how fragile large walleyes are and then reading/hearing how fragile large muskies are, I have to consider the possibilities.

If these fish weren’t “delicate”, why would we bother with all the other practices of safe release? Wetting hands before handling, cutting hooks, leaving the fish in the water, and nursing their strength back by holding they’re tail and facing the head into any currents, if any exist, to get oxygen to the gills? Why are these practices in place if this fish isn’t …….. well…….. a bit wimpy in the stamina department?

Cruise the serious muskie angler sites and you’ll find a staunch belief in the care and treatment necessary to provide a better fish and fishery for tomorrow’s angling. Why is that? Again, there are those who have committed themselves to the “business” of muskies and muskie angling. They’re finding trends and talking about them. If warm temps are setting off alarms, again…….. why is that and why wouldn’t we want to consider it?

I realize that every ideal will have it’s opposition. But if there is truth, it will be found and supported by those who chose to do so. It may not mean something to everyone, but you know, the truth does not require anyone’s belief. The truth is the truth and it simply needs to be found out. And it will be found out and it will be told……….. by someone, someday. But who will reject it? Who’ll accept it?

I still want to fish those big ‘uns more than anything…… so it’s tough…… but I don’t want to ignore warnings that come from those involved in research either.

Salt is good……..then salt is bad………. then salt is good again. I’m just trying to consider what sits best with me and share my thoughts with others. Hopefully we’ll know more in the coming seasons.

---

\

Well done! I agree! Protecting the future!