panfisher

Ronix 51....Hah! I did expect some doubt about that. This was in a publication back in the early-mid 90's, I believe by the DEC, talking of the efforts and status of muskie propagation efforts in Waneta and Lamoka. It stated that specialized large muskie traps were set about the lakes in order to survey and document data on said fish. One was trapped that weighed upward of 65lbs. I'm sure if one did not see this for themselves they would not believe it.....and some would not even if they did read it. This was not some bogus publication, even though I cannot recall the name of the publisher (conveniently a doubter might think). But I am not one to give and spread phony info either. No offense taken, as I myself was definitely impressed by the info. Evidently this same fish was known of before by the surveyors. Everybody knows muskie get that large and I don't know for sure but I believe this was not referring to tigers. In Chautaugua I personally, with others in the boat, have seen an absolutely HUGE muskie swim slowly right under our boat in clear and shallow (maybe 8-12ft) water while smallie fishing. This thing swam under us like it owned the lake and was out for a morning "swim around the pond" on a nice day in May! Paying absolutely no attention to us as we stuck our rods (6-61/2 ft light- ultralight bass poles) in the water as far as possible in attempts to maybe touch or get some response to us as it swam slowly directly under the boat like a submarine. It looked like a champion heavyweight prize boxer, complete with obvious scars from broken off fishing lures around it's jaws; it had that swagger...But I digress. Some other "into it" musky (and not necessarily so) fisherman must have read this same article. I know some musky fisherman do not believe they exist in Seneca. I caught a small one there and saw a pic on the front page of New York Outdoor News of a 22lb fish taken there about 4years or so ago by a fellow from my town. I say "why not?" If they can get that large, why should they not be somewhere and get that large....? Anyway, I will try to find that article precisely and post a link or the article itself maybe (it was in print, not online). I found it very interesting as I am sure anyone might. And delilah, U R in the right place to conveniently pursue your growing interest in musky fishing, no matter how big they get there .....

I'm just excited by the increased reported incidents of large 'eyes being caught in the Big O by salmon/trout chasers. Like the one I caught in front of Hughes a couple of years ago close-trolling for bows and browns on a silver/black #11 floater, first fish of the day in early May..........

kuekakatch&release......Beautiful carp, man.......NNniiiiiiccce!! I love the way those guys get so big and do seem to work well with other, sometimes more "desirable" species. Most places I have fished in NYS often have some stunningly large carp. And they don't seem to be any hindrance at all to other fish in the neighborhood. From the excellent waters of the Cohocton, Oatka, and Wiscoy, to all of the fingers and just about anywhere. Most people do not indulge in pursuing them in favor of the sexier trout, bass, walleye and Esoscidae, and many still like to call them a "trash" or "garbage" fish, Close observation over time has shown, at least to me, no big negative impact on the fishing for the more respected species. True Rodney Dangerfields in many folk's eyes. And some people take this a step further by showing outward disrespect for them (and other folks,too) by tossing them around after killing them. Like they MUST bash them because they are doing some good. Yeah, maybe for the flies.... . Many fish species are "invasive", including rainbows, browns and kings. By the hand of the most invasive, you and me...And I definitely don't want to see silver or bighead carp, which feed in a totally different way (phytoplankton; like grown up baby fish), unlike common or grass carp. Again kuekakatch&release.....Swwweeeet fish !

I am not a musky fisherman. Just one who loves fishing and associated interests in general. I do know this....the DEC has trapped at least one musky in the past in Waneta well over 60lbs. This is approaching world record size. You live right there. There are some very decent fish in those waters. Take these people's suggestions and have fun with them.....!

bobjones.........spelling b......jones ....Thanks for that notification. Now, how many ways to spell "Allegheny"..... old man..... maybe a small dash of orange or red color on those homemade lures to trigger that xtra little tease ...?

Thanks for posting this news. From the numerous replies you've generated, I'd say not that many people are presently engaged. I am interested, though. I'm also excited about the recent news of paddlefish being re-introduced to Chautauqua, where they are native. And the continuing progress of Atlantic Salmon in the Big O. More really nice walleye are showing up more and more around the main lake. All of these species were at one time in the not to distant past abundant in Lake Ontario. It's good to see efforts and money spent are paying off and people will get more enthusiastic about these fish as they continue to build their presence. Many are s-l-o-w growers and get large. Now if we can just keep those silver and bighead carp from getting a hold. I fear with the current political scene, many of our best current efforts could be to no avail. But that is a whole other story. Lets hope for, and work for the best in the continuing re-establishment of our native, heritage species.....

Good sentiments and actions jimski2..... And keeping the frozen fish, however cleaned....or uncleaned (I've sometimes tossed fish in whole and unpackedged in the freezer due to lack of time for some reason), encased in water inside plastic bags or old clean drink cartons or whatever you like, works great. The water insulates the fish from dryness and freezer burn.....unless you still have a way old freezer made before the "frost free" freezer days. Those used to get caked with ice inside (even the refrigerator part) and had to be periodically "chipped" clear of ice or defrosted. They did serve to keep frozen items moist and of nicer quality though....So if any of you still have one of those old freezers around, keep them handy, plugged in somewhere to keep your ''long term'' frozen fish and game preserved. After you literally break the food out 3 or 4 years later, you'll find they really are in excellent condition... Hopefully you might also have alternate electric power (wind or solar), as those old boxes can put a dent in your wallet come bill time. But, good things are never free....one way or the other.. ..