This is not unique to the muskie record. I seem to remember the walleye record of 25 lbs. is under constant attack as is the LM bass record of 22-4, and I know down here in Fla. salt water records are questioned all the time.
I have a question for you all. Doesn't it seem that there will be no real big fish catches any more? Because of the way we have been over fishing for years. I know they are on the come back. But do you really think they will make it back to those huge sizes? Not and expert here...
Maybe I can address your question/observation on big fish
Several Muskellunge in the 50lb range have been reported in recent years, many are verified authentic.
You are actually beginning to see some of the largest specimans caught in the history of Musky fishing.
Minnesota in particular (and its anglers) have done an incredible job at building a trophey class fishery and should be applauded.
The abilty to locate and contact these "super fish" has never been greater. Catching one is an all together different issue. The numbers thrown around in the old days sort of gave many anglers (and tourists) a false idea of what the growth ceiling is......some might go so far as to say....."they dont get that big".
Dig up a photo of the 53lb-er caught and relased on Mille Lacs(2 years ago now?)....a meal away from 60lbs....they felt it was a younger fish, smaller head with room to grow and likley underestimated its weight.....it's still swimm'n out there!
Those "huge sizes" of the past are not back, they are here and now!
Our tradition is that of the first man who sneaked away to the creek when the tribe did not really need fish. ~ Roderick Haig-Brown, about modern fishing, A River Never Sleeps, 1946
