Tiger Muskies, with
their mouths full of razor-shaped teeth, are a formidable species that demands
respect. Anglers should never overlook a Tiger Muskie's potential danger.
Anglers can sometimes forget the need for correct handling tools. However,
having these tools and, more importantly, knowing how to use them is crucial
for the safety of the fish and yourself. The same holds when you have removed
the hooks and are ready to pick up your catch for a picture. This knowledge and
preparation are paramount to a successful day pursuing Tiger Muskie.
Throughout this
piece, I'll refer to a Tiger Muskie. The information in this article equally
applies to all three Esox species: Muskie, Pike, and Tiger Muskie. These
species share many characteristics, so, without listing all three species'
names each time, understand that when I mention a Tiger, the reference is
synonymous with a Tiger's cousins, a true Muskie, and a Northern Pike.
No Place for Bargain Tools, Quality Makes the Job Easier and
Safer
Getting ready for a
Tiger Muskie outing requires quality equipment. Cheap, weak tools can fail,
creating safety hazards. I cannot emphasize the importance of investing in
high-quality gear for this activity enough.
My Tool List
Jaw Spreaders
Quality Jaw
Spreaders are among the most essential tools. Make sure to pay attention to the
value of your spreaders. When hooks are lodged well into the mouth of a Tiger
Muskie, spreaders, when released, will keep a Tiger Muskie's mouth held open,
allowing you to work on the hook. Spreaders make it easier for an angler to
remove hooks.
Spreaders must be
vigorous. Otherwise, they'll slip or collapse, prolonging the task and possibly
causing injury. I pack two sizes for large and small fish. If there is any
doubt concerning the strength of your jaw spreaders, don't hesitate to replace
them.
It doesn't matter
if you have the best jaw spreaders employed; never think it's okay to place
your hand or fingers into a Tiger Muskie's mouth. Tigers have a way of shaking
their head when you least expect it. When this happens, the spreaders can
dislodge, or your tools can hit them, knocking the spreader out of place. That
is why you want to have long-handled, long-nose pliers on hand.
Long-Handled
Long-Nose Pliers
Long-handled,
long-nose pliers allow you to reach further into a Tiger's mouth and down the
throat while keeping your hand clear from danger.
Mini Bolt Cutters
Just like with any
fishing, there are times when, for the health of the fish, it is better to cut
the hook rather than attempt to remove it completely. Larger hooks have thicker
wire, making them harder to remove with standard dikes. Instead, small bolt cutters
are more effective for this task.
Long Shank De-Hooker
If the lure's hooks
aren't lodged too deeply, this handy device can make removing hooks quick work.
The long shank allows you to get back into the mouth of a large Tiger Muskie. I
prefer a De-Hooker with an S-shaped tip. The S-tip has two opposing U bends—one
U points at you, the other points away from you. Depending on the position of
the embedded hook, the two bends allow you to either push the hook free or pull
it to dislodge it. Push or pull in a downward direction to free the hook's
barb.
Spilt Ring Pliers
A pair of
split-ring pliers can come in handy when a lure treble hook is wrapped tight in
the landing net. Typically, a Tiger Musky will roll in the net, often wrapping
up the free hooks of a treble. Sometimes, the pressure from a tightly spun
Tiger in the net webbing makes it easier to remove the treble hook from the
lure's split ring than it is to untangle the net from around the hook. I love
my Rapala Split Ring Pliers; they are the best split ring pliers I've used.
A Fish Grip
In situations with
smaller Muskie and Pike, you can forgo a net and manage the catch with a Fish
Grip when you don't desire a photograph. The grip allows you to take control,
clamping onto the Muskie's lower jaw just past the lip and teeth. You can manage
the fish without a net, keeping them in the water the entire time. Once you've
used the proper tool to remove the hooks, unclamp the Fish Grip, and your catch
is free to swim away.
A Proper Musky Net
The nuance of
netting a Tiger Muskie deserves an entire article to itself. Nonetheless, here
are a few noteworthy tips. Several net manufacturers make nets large enough for
the size of your quarry. True Muskies can grow extremely large; select an appropriate
size for your pursuit.
Select a net that
you're comfortable with and one that is hook-friendly. An annoying net in your
thoughts doesn't help when it's time to land a Tiger Muskie.
The net should be
adequately stowed, and anglers should discuss net storage and handling before
the first cast. If the net features a telescopic handle, practice deploying it
before game time to become familiar with it.
During boat travel,
things bounce around, including the net's basket. After each stop, before a
cast is made, all anglers should check the net, ensuring it is clear from boat
cleats, lures, rod tips, and rod guides—anything that can catch the net and prevent
a smooth operation. These nets are large, and the space on a boat can be
relatively small, so mishaps can easily take place.
When a Tiger is
caught and coming to the boat, the situation can be chaotic; it's not the time
to discuss netting. Having a pregame netting plan in place will help ensure a
smooth, fumble-free process that leads to success.
When it's time to
net the Tiger, the angler should control the fish's head so it comes straight
to the net alongside the boat. The netter needs to manage the large net's
basket by bunching it together with their free hand. As the fish approaches,
the netter wants to place half the net in the water at an angle to the surface
as they drop the basket, come under the Tiger, and back up past the tail.
If you place the
net entirely into the water straight up and down, the water resistance will
make your reactions to the fish sluggish, and the Tiger has a better chance of
avoiding the net. Netting a Tiger is how you would properly net any fish on a
larger scale due to the fish and net size.
Trying to net a
Tiger near the outboard or trolling motor is the wrong choice. Tigers are
notorious for rolling and thrashing once they're in the net. So, avoiding
engine props and anything else the net can catch or encounter is best.
As soon as the fish
is in the net, the angler needs to release the bail on the reel, let out the
line, remove tension from the line, and back the rod away from the net.
Unnecessary pressure on a heated, upset, netted Tiger will do nothing good.
Always remove the
hooks from the fish before you attempt to remove the fish from the net. Keep
the net and the fish in the water boatside. It is much easier and safer to free
the lure's hooks from a Tiger Muskie while it's still in the net. Keeping the Tiger
in the net in the water reduces the time your catch is out of the water and
minimizes stress on the fish.
Lifting a Tiger
Muskie from the net with hooks attached will cause trouble. When the Tiger
Muskie thrashers, and they will, the free hooks will tangle the net and most
likely catch on anything close by, including you. With the net and the Tiger
remaining in the water, the netter needs to control the net while the angler
manages hook removal.
Keeping the Tiger
in the net and in the water decreases the time your catch is out of the water
and the stress placed on the fish.
If it's your first
time, I recommend fishing with someone who has experience handling Muskies and
Northern Pike. An experienced fisherman can show you how to manage these fish
and protect yourself successfully. It is highly inappropriate to be ill-equipped,
both with gear and knowledge, when handling these incredible fish.
Improper handling
can result in serious injury. A deep cut to your fingers or hand can turn a
nice day of fishing into a trip to the emergency room. You owe it to yourself,
your fishing partner, and the fish to have the essential tools, know how to use
them, and adequately handle these toothy predators.
First Aid Kit and Finger Tape
Always keep a
proper first aid kit on board. And for added versatility, I recommend having
Finger Tape. Common in saltwater angling, finger tape is a helpful solution for
cuts on your fingers. This self-sticking tape effectively applies pressure to
stop bleeding, protects the wound, stays in place even when it's wet, and keeps
you in the game.
The Hooks are Out, Time to Handle Your Catch
With one hand,
place your thumb and palm on the outside of a Tiger Muskie's gill plate. Avoid
touching the actual gill plate; it's sharp and can injure you. On the bottom of
the fish's jaw, there is a bone/cartilage that runs along the center axis. On
each side of this bone is a groove. Place your fingers from the same hand under
the jaw into the groove nearest you. Gently but firmly squeeze your fingers,
thumb, and palm together. You can safely control the Tiger's head with a
proper, firm grip in the correct position. Gasp in front of the fish's tail,
where it meets its body, with your other hand. Now, you're ready to lift your
catch (see photo below).
Always hold a Tiger
Muskie with both hands in a horizontal position, supporting its weight to
prevent pressure on its spine and internal organs and undue stress. Tiger
Muskies have a protective slime coating on their bodies; avoid unnecessary
contact to preserve it. Please return them to water
as quickly as possible to give them the best chance of survival.
I seldom see these
aspects of Tiger Muskie fishing discussed. Yet, they're just as important as
the tackle and lures one needs for this type of angling, if not more so, to
ensure your Tiger Muskie adventure is a success.
Tight Lines and Good Times!
Title photo
by Fishing-headquaters.com, net photo by Drifter Nets.
