Beyond the Catch: Mastering Musky Handling and Post-Release Care

As many anglers are consumed with catching and photographing their trophy muskies for posterity, it’s less common to focus on the not-so-fun parts like musky fish handling, tool use, and post-release survival strategies. Often dubbed the "fish of 10,000 casts," landing an elusive muskellunge can flood an angler’s brain with endorphins you didn’t even know existed. It’s earth-shatteringly exciting by all accounts, so sometimes a musky’s aftercare slips under the radar.

The Overlooked Art of Musky Aftercare

Let’s dive into the subtle craft of post-catch musky care that sets sustainable, care-conscious anglers apart from their “wing it” counterparts. For new and evolving anglers curious about musky release techniques, one top issue during handling is lost time. When making videos, snapping photos, or managing big fish, remember: muskies can’t breathe out of water. It sounds obvious, but think about how long you can hold your breath before things go south. Unlike panfish or smaller predators with better oxygen-to-body-mass ratios, muskies are oversized and usually wiped out by the time they’re netted.

Why Timing Matters in Musky Handling

To fuel their muscular builds, muskellunge rely on oversized gill plates to scoop up oxygen per hunt. So, it’s critical to let an overworked musky chill in the net, off the boat’s side, catching breaths before hoisting it for that photo op. Timing is everything—like humans after a workout, muscle fatigue kicks in, and recovery time is non-negotiable. Keep the hold-and-pic routine as short as possible to boost musky post-release survival.

Essential Tools for Musky Fishing Handling

To pull off this feat, keep the right musky release tools within arm’s reach for a quick, smooth operation. Beginners, ditch the tiny or thin-rope nets. Muskies are coated in heavy slime and, despite their bulk, have sensitive skin and fins. Minimizing fin splits and skin scuffs with a proper net supports a long, healthy life for any musky you catch. Small, unwaxed rope nets can wreak havoc on these creatures and their delicate extremities.

Beyond the net, release tools are a must. Long-nose pliers, hook cutters, jaw spreaders, and handling gloves should live on your boat. Pros might skip gloves, but science backs them for extra grip (no dropped fish) and reducing germ or parasite transfer—good for both fish and angler. Jaw spreaders shine when a musky chomps more than one treble hook, while long-nose pliers save your hands from battle scars. Together, they form a solid musky handling strategy.

Musky Aftercare: The Recovery Process

Post-catch aftercare is just as vital as netting and holding. After a musky’s brief stint out of water and off oxygen, it might need resuscitation time. The bigger the musky, the longer the recovery hold. Dedicated musky anglers never just chuck one back—they offer a relaxing, upright rest. Cradle the musky under its belly and near the back fin for stability as it regains equilibrium. Held just below the surface, this stance also prevents float bladder issues during the post-release recovery period.

Letting Muskies Signal Their Release

Back in its watery home, wait for the musky to signal it’s ready. A tail kick usually means it’s set to swim off for the rest of its recuperation. Don’t jog or wobble it to rush things—gills are natural oxygen filters, and shaking a musky doesn’t speed up recovery. Let it heal at its own pace. This upright hold gives it the rest it needs to settle.

Clean Tools, Healthy Muskies

Finally, clean and reset your musky fishing tools and nets. Skin issues can plague muskies across waterways, so sanitation matters. Between catches, wipe tools with a sanitary cloth, rinse your netbag, and let it dry splayed out on deck—sunshine’s a natural disinfectant. Occasionally, a fish with a tumor, sore, or skin flaw will remind you to scrub down everything. This helps curb the spread of bacterial conditions, protecting native musky populations.

Why Musky Handling Boosts Fisheries

Always prioritize musky well-being and be ready to aid their recovery. Catching one is a thrill for the angler, but it’s a “fish out of water” ordeal for them. Practice proper musky handling, release, and aftercare for a healthy population to chase year after year.