54-inch Muskie!

October 09, 2012

Randin Olson

ottertail mn

with moon rise approaching, I headed for an in-side corner that I had seen this fish on numerous times over the season. I had Perfect conditions with the first real cold weather movement of the year on the horizon. With annoying drizzle and high winds, I dropped the trolling motor and started my controlled drift. As I was working the corner, I spotted the fish surface as muskies do and made a cast in the direction of the moving fish. To my surprise, within the first couple cranks of the reel the fish struck with the force of a wrecking ball. With enormous head shakes and my shaking legs I was able to land the fish and the rest well that's history.

Species: Muskellunge

Date Caught: 08/17/2012

Kept / Released: Released

Region of Catch: Region 5

Length: 54"

Recent Videos

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Lift-and-Drop Baits For Walleyes

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Lift-and-Drop Baits For Walleyes

Walleyes are known to be finicky critters, but applying the right jig and bait combination is key to increased success. Color, weight and trailer are all important parts, but the action you impart on the presentation might be the most important part. Bothers Ron and Al Lindner break down the famous lift-and-drop presentation for big walleyes.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Big Walleyes Love Jigs Tipped with Soft Plastics

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Big Walleyes Love Jigs Tipped with Soft Plastics

In this throw-back In-Fisherman video, Al Lindner talks about livebait alternatives that work wonders in locations, rivers especially, when livebait may not be allowed. Check out this video and let us know how much has changed over the years.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Big Jigs for Big Walleyes

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Big Jigs for Big Walleyes

Dave Csanda and Northland Tackle's John Petersen target big walleyes with big jigs and discuss the power of meaty presentations. The combination of rocks and walleyes on the Canadian Shield should make catching fish easy, you usually don't find one without the other. Hop in the boat with two walleye legends and learn how walleyes often prefer a bigger meal.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Snap Jigs for Big Walleyes

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Snap Jigs for Big Walleyes

Snap jigging has been around for a long time, and it continues to be a solid presentation for walleyes--even through the ice. In this throw-back video, the crew works on making big walleyes attack a snap jig--they talk about presentation selections, colors, weights and action. Al Lindner shares the secrets about effective snap jigging. Does the technique discussed in this video still hold up to what we know today?

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Specialty Walleye Rigs in Rivers

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Specialty Walleye Rigs in Rivers

River-run walleyes act like walleyes should. If you ask Al Lindner, he'll tell you his favorite places to fish for walleyes during spring and fall are known river walleye destinations. What are the top presentations you need to keep handy to make the most out of a trip on the river? Listen in and begin writing your list--and how much has changed over the years?

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Proven spring crappie tactics

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Proven spring crappie tactics

In this throwback In-Fisherman video, the team talks about proven spring crappie tactics as the fish work their way through the spring months into prespawn and spawning phases of the year. Big crappies are among the most popular species to pursue before summer sets in, and the staff help illustrate a few reliable methods to find and catch big springtime crappies. How does this information hold up to today's crappie standards and techniques?

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Understanding the Seasonal Movements of Yellow Perch

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Understanding the Seasonal Movements of Yellow Perch

Renowned perch jerkers Jimmy Lindner and Matt Straw work to find and catch quality yellow perch throughout the seasonal periods. They are considered a panfish and make some of the finest table fare, but they are easy to find if you understand where they like to feed and breed. The key is understanding their seasonal movements--listen to what the guys have to say to solve the perch puzzle.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Late Ice with Legendary Ice Angler Dave Genz

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Late Ice with Legendary Ice Angler Dave Genz

In-Fisherman contributor Matt Straw joins Dave Genz to ply frozen waters looking for big panfish late in the ice season. The duo offers some tips and tactics based on seasonal movements and an deep understanding of where the fish prefer to be just prior to ice out. This is relevant information today, just as it was back then. Good stuff.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Walleyes on the Canadian Shield with Al Lindner and Dan Sura

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Walleyes on the Canadian Shield with Al Lindner and Dan Sura

Picking the right lake to find abundant and large walleyes depends on a few factors, including forage, cover and fishing pressure. The guys talk about breaking down a new lake and using presentations that make sense. The Canadian Shield offers some of the finest walleye fishing on the planet and offers a world-class northern adventure.

Destinations

In-Fisherman Classics: Canadian Smallmouth Adventure

Destinations

In-Fisherman Classics: Canadian Smallmouth Adventure

In-Fisherman legends Al Lindner and Dan Sura talk about targeting and catching big Canadian smallmouth bass. Ontario has long been known for offering some of the finest fishing Canada has to offer. The guys are on a walleye lake and catch numbers of big smallmouth bass. The basis is understanding how to find and tempt feeding smallmouths, and this works anywhere they live. They employ some interesting presentations that were cutting edge in their day, how do they hold up by today's standards?

Gear

In-Fisherman Classics: Giant Brook Trout Canadian Adventure

Gear

In-Fisherman Classics: Giant Brook Trout Canadian Adventure

Brook trout are among the most beautiful fish that swim, and they are a blast to catch. Matt Straw shares a cool experience in breathtaking Canadian waters, along with some tips and techniques to catch more fish. The adventures of Canadian fishing are truly world class--this video is no exception.

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Lake Trout on Ice are Tough!

Learn

In-Fisherman Classics: Lake Trout on Ice are Tough!

Ontario offers some of the finest lake trout fishing on the ice, and the adventure is hot. Al Lindner and legendary walleye angler Gary Roach share an amazing adventure chasing lake trout through the ice. A lot has changed over the years, especially the use the electronics. Enjoy this throw-back clip of two legendary anglers chasing lakers.

See All Videos

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the In-Fisherman App

Other Magazines

Game & Fish

In-Fisherman

Florida Sportsman

Fly Fisherman

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

Buy A Copy

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

Buy A Copy

2023 Fly Fishing Made Easy

Buy A Copy

2023 Fly Fishing Made Easy

Buy A Copy

2023 Catfish In-Sider Guide

Buy A Copy

2023 Catfish In-Sider Guide

Buy A Copy

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide

Buy A Copy

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide

Buy A Copy

2023 Kayak Fishing Fun

Buy A Copy

2023 Kayak Fishing Fun

Buy A Copy

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box

Buy A Copy

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box

Buy A Copy

See All Special Interest Magazines

More You May Be Interested In

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?

Subscribe Now

In-Fisherman Storyline Podcast

Subscribe & Save.

54-inch Muskie!

Recommended

Video That May Interest You

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Other Magazines

Game & Fish

Game & Fish

In-Fisherman

In-Fisherman

Florida Sportsman

Florida Sportsman

Fly Fisherman

Fly Fisherman

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

2023 Fly Fishing Made Easy

2023 Fly Fishing Made Easy

2023 Catfish In-Sider Guide

2023 Catfish In-Sider Guide

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide

2023 Kayak Fishing Fun

2023 Kayak Fishing Fun

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box

2023 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box

More You May Be Interested In

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get Digital Access.

Not a Subscriber?

Get a Full Yearof Guns & Ammo& Digital Access.

Get the Newsletter

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.