Not The One

When Travis Frank of Trophy Encounters called me to see if I would join him for a day of muskie fishing, it was a very short conversation.  My answer was, "YES, where do I need to be and when".  I have been fortunate enough to get to grow up with Travis and call him a close friend of mine.  With both of our busy schedules we rarely are able to get into a boat together.  We often see one another on the water, but it is always special when we actually get into a boat together and go fishing.  

Yesterday was no exception.  We hit the waters of Lake Mille Lacs in pursuit of the elusive giant muskie and managed this one chunk(mid 40's").  The water temps were in the 30's and the lake is only days away from getting a skim of ice.  Althought this wasn't the "one", the 60lber we were after; it was still a sweet fish to catch.  The appeal this time of year is the size of the fish.  Muskies are at their biggest in Nov since they have been putting on their winter weight all fall.  Though this fish wasn't the longest fish, it was plenty large in the belly area.  It also made for some great laughs.  I hooked the fish and Travis proceeded to "coach" me through the fight....as if it was the first one I had ever caught.  He truly is a great teacher and someone I have learned so much from over the years.   Every time we hit the water I am able to learn from his great knowledge of these creatures.  But this was a different kind of "coaching" that had both myself and Wolf about wetting ourselves from the laughs.  I was thankful when the fish finally hit the net and gave a chance to share her beauty here with you.  

This particular fish fell victim to the infamous "pounder" by muskie innovations.   I am throwing the bait on a 7'9" super heavy mag rod with a Shimano Calcutta 400 on it spooled with 80 lb braid.  I can't say enough how important it is to have good equipment for the moment when a fish of this caliber is on the end of your line.  Your only connection is your hooks and your line, so make sure and always sharpen your hooks.  

This trip was everything I expected it to be and more.  The day was one I will not soon forget.  Thanks again Trav and until we can do it again, Fish On!  Get out and stretch the string.