The Musky Novice
By Diana Barone © 2010

For many years now I have heard about the great challenge and reward afforded to fishermen who search for the elusive Musky.  Of course, just having “heard” about it means I am a “Musky virgin.”  That in itself is funny because to be a virgin at anything at my age is somewhat hysterical.

            My first problem was:  “What is a Musky.”  The dictionary says:  muskellunge is a large game fish similar to a pike found in the cooler fresh waters of  North America.  Well, at least now I know where to look.  What they next tell you is that it is the “meanest, most aggressive, freshwater fish in North America.”  Oh boy!  Sounds like a great sport.

            Next problem, of course, is equipment.  Perhaps Dad’s old bamboo pole with hook and worm won’t do the trick.  So, off to Cabela’s or BassPro to look into fishing tackle, rods, reels and last but not least — the world of lures!  Well, if there is anything a girl knows about in this world it’s a “lure,” although perhaps my “yet to be caught” Musky friend is looking for something different than what I own. 

The first lures I read about were bucktails, jerk baits, crank baits, surface baits, spinner baits, jigs, soft plastics and sucker rigs.  Hey, wait a minute – are we fishing?  I’m sorry but these “lures” certainly seem to have other connotations.  I do believe I should investigate each of these lures individually and thoroughly to find out how each one works.  Exactly what are “soft plastics and sucker rigs.”  Wow.  Do you do this sport on your back?  I must say, the excitement mounts.

            The more I looked into this sport, the more it sounded like lots and lots of fun, but maybe I’m missing something.  So far I’m only an armchair enthusiast.  Okay, here’s what I have so far.  You go out in a boat, pull out your rod, hook a bucktail (or another equally charming lure) on the end, toss it in the water and see what happens.  Well that just sounds like other things I’ve done in my life.  I probably would love this sport.  Oh by the way, what the heck is a crazy crank and why would I be using it near Chippewa Falls?

            Anyway, to sum up this experience, it seems I’m going to have to find someone who lives in North America with a boat, who owns a dozen rod and reels, enough lures to supply a “cat house,” a good sense of humor and willingness to allow a novice on board to hunt for the elusive fish.  (Remember:  Keep your lines tight.”)  Then you either stay out of the way if a fish bites or simply jump out of the boat and swim for shore, hoping you don’t get caught in the lines.

If I ever do catch that Musky, I may not be able to let him go!