I absolutely love targeting and catching a new type of fish. It’s fun to learn about the species and learn new fishing techniques to broaden my fishing experiences. I had been out once in the past for a few hours in search of musky, had one follow and no hits. I’ve heard about how they are ‘the fish of 10,000 casts’ and just hoped that someday I would get the chance to land one.
My friend Greg Amiel invited me out to fish on Friday for salmon, so I took the day off. Thursday night the weather forecast on Lake Ontario was not looking promising (wind-wise), so he asked me if I would be OK with fishing for musky instead. Of course I said ‘Yes!’ and was really excited to try for musky! I had a positive attitude, but knew that they were no easy task to land. Something new is always fun!
I got up at 1am (yes, that early!) on Friday, got ready and left home at 2am to head to Greg’s place near Toronto . Greg and his fishing buddy Arnaldo were ready to go when I got there at 5am, so off we went. I fell asleep for a little while on the way there, so I have no idea which lake we were on 😉 Let’s call it, ‘Lake X’ in the Kawarthas. We all have our own Lake X somewhere, right? Wink, wink 🙂
We fished hard, trolling and casting and covering a lot of water. I was casting when I had my first follow. I reacted fast doing the ‘figure 8’ as Greg showed me. The fish startled me, but I was excited to see my first musky! However, this fish was not interested. It gave me hope!
We were trolling when the first musky hit, and it sounded like a salmon peeling line! I could not have been any happier reeling in my first ever musky!
Ashley, Just wanted to let you know that you may be able to qulify for a Muskies Canada Release badge for your fish, since you have a picture of the release. Check out http://www.muskiescanada.ca/general_information/public_release_program.php
🙂
Steve
Ashley you are such a fearless girl. I love the picture of you and the muskie!!!
I don't think that Muskie is as happy to see you as you are seeing him. Kind of odd that my Buddy called me Sunday to see if I was interested in a Muskie trip. Your post has made my mind up to go.
Another notch on the rod handle! What's next? Whitefish?
Steve – I checked out that website, I am impressed! Nice to see live and release being promoted! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy – Thanks, that photo is my favourite 🙂
Kevin – Hope your trip is successful! Happy to inspire you to get out and chase 'em!
John – That is my ice fishin' mission this year!