David Hebeda is an outdoorsman and avid fisherman who enjoys sharing his knowledge with fellow anglers. In the following article, Dave Hebeda explains why muskie fish are some of the hardest, most fascinating fish to catch.
According to experts like Dave, Muskie fish are hard to catch because they are generally quick to learn that lures are dangerous to their health – they tend to follow the lure rather than nip at it.
In this article, David Hebeda discusses the background of the sport of muskie fishing and some interesting facts on the species. Additionally, a look at some of the best places to fish for muskie and tricks to overturn the reputation that these fish are too tricky to bag.
What is Muskie Fishing
Muskellunge fish are counted among the top predators in freshwater areas of North America.
Dave Hebeda says that in 1977, the Chain of Minocqua Lakes, located in Wisconsin, a contest was held to catch record-sized muskies. This area was rumored to be the best location in the United States to find this fish.
Muskellunge fish can range in length but average 37 inches. Regardless of how the sport has evolved over the years, one thing has not changed; muskies are one of the most difficult fish to catch.
Fun Facts About Muskie Fishing
Dave Hebeda says that there is plenty to know about the sport of muskie fishing that many people may not be familiar with. Below are a few interesting details on muskies.
- Muskie Lures are called “Cowgirls!” – Cowgirls are a type of spinnerbait with double Colorado blades inline and are some of the first known lures to effectively catch muskies.
- Muskies are the largest member of the pike family – The biggest muskie caught on record is a 67-pound fish that was found in Wisconsin’s Court Oreilles Lake in 1949.
- Muskies eat Waterfowl – In addition to smaller fish, crayfish, insects, and even any small water rats or rodents that wander too close, muskies are known to eat birds they can fit their mouths around, too.
- Wisconsin is the Musky State – Dave Hebeda reports that the state boasts the most muskies, which proclaimed this fish their state fish in the year 1955. Muskies are most popularly found in the Great Lakes, or in Lake St. Clair.
The Challenges
Here are some main reasons why muskies are such a difficult catch:
Muskies Learn
The first reason, and potentially the most interesting, behind how difficult it is to land a muskie fish is because the fish seem to learn what lures are, and how they work.
In a study performed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it was found that muskies were never caught more than once in a period of 35 days. The most fish that were caught during that time were only landed during the first day, while the others were scattered throughout the rest of the duration.
Dave Hebeda of New York explains that this seems to prove that whether they are noticing the sounds or vibrations made by fishers, or simply recognizing the lures themselves, muskies learn quickly not to trust the sight of a baited hook.
Muskies Are Ambush Predators
Because muskies are ambush predators, they generally find a place in a freshwater location to hide, such as under logs or other obstacles. This is not only sometimes a challenging place to land a lure, but it speaks to the unique personality of a musky fish.
Dave Hebeda of New York says that these fish don’t prefer to explore outside of their ambush setup. They tend to find a secluded place to be alone and wait for food. These fish are in no hurry to go out looking for a meal. Therefore, a lure generally must be right on top of a fish that has never seen one as a source of danger before in order for it to latch on and be caught.
In Conclusion
Muskies are one of the most elusive and challenging fish to catch, requiring skill, patience, and a bit of luck. With their unpredictable behavior and mysterious nature, even the most experienced anglers can struggle to reel in a muskie. However, the challenge of catching one is precisely what makes the pursuit so rewarding for many fishermen. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just a beginner, the thrill of the chase and the possibility of landing a trophy muskie is enough to keep anyone coming back for more.
