08/21/2026
The flood of memories of losing a potential world record on this spot years ago added to the heart pounding excitement for John. As this big girl stripped line off the drag and powered deep at the start of the battle she then brought the fight to the surface, violently head shaking and moving the full length of the boat along the side as John fought to not over pressure her. It's always a thrill to watch the powerful head shakes and the frothing of the water but it also puts the fear of God in you fearing it will throw the hook in mid air. Our Esox Magnum is out for repair so we were in the "Ole Shoe" as we endearingly call John's old guide boat. This added to the chaos as the musky powered her way to the bow and me with net in hand trying to stay out of the way but move toward the head several times, hoping for a netting opportunity...but she wasn't ready. John battled her towards the rear of the boat again, turned her to lead her back towards the front while trying to keep her out from under the boat. I took the first opportunity I saw, with a risky move I reached out and dipped the front of the net in the water. I was extended as far as I could possibly go and scooped her into the bag...success! She was a powerful fish and certainly let us know she still had alot of fight in her as the net corraled her in the water, the hooks were removed, a quick measurement, then a photo and back in the water to fight another day. A great release and yet another memory made together to share with friends in the Little Red Bar. The sound of the musky release bell rings through the night air and a round of rootbeer schnapps shots is shared by all as is tradition. This is always the perfect ending to yet another successful musky hunt.