I have heard it suggested that skies swim with their head out due to a lack of oxygen. I do not see this behavior in northern Wisconsin, but used to see it a lot in the southern part of the state (warmer summers). It is also a behavior that is much more prevalent in hybrid muskies as opposed to naturals.
As to my biggest fish: By lenght, it is a 50 3/4" fish caught a couple of years back. As to weight, I have 2 that have reached into the 37#-38# range. I always gage my fish by weight (throwback to the days before 100% catch/release), but now with 100% release, lenght seems to be the goal for most folks. Trophies for me start at 30#s and go up from there. The great thing is you catch a bunch of fun fish in that 20# and up range while looking for the big girls!
Great picture of the 52"er. Nice job of getting photos on your own. My biggest was also photographed while alone. I plan on doing an article on releasing fish while by yourself (a bit of a sensitive subject for some) which can include photo, weight, and lenght. Its amazing how fast and harmless this can be done if you have done some planning ahead of time and are set up to do it right. It will post to this site sometime this winter. Let me know what you think.
Welcome aboard Joel. Thanks on the idea of it being lack of oxygen, I know that there are times that the catfish will be beached to get oxygen, due to stuff in the water. I have even witness several walleye kills that I think was lack of oxygen, a couple on the St. Louis River in small areas, so this certainly could be the deal. I didn't know that it happened more to the hybrids, but wonder if that could have something to due with them not spending as much time in deeper water, like other muskies. Just a thought.
50 3/4" is a nice muskie. I am starting to think I am the only one out here without a 50... I guess I will have to work on that. On the photoing fish while alone, I do it all the time. I have a nice digital and have found that I can put it on the timer, sit it on it's side at the back of the boat, line up the opening of the walk thru in the screen, then click the button, grab the fish and kneel so my head is even with the top of my windshield and wait for the flash. It works great. It even keeps most of the landmarks out of the picture.. Sorry guys, some spots came from a lot of time on the water and will stay secrets as long as I can keep them that way. I know you understand. I know that this works great for me, but each of us can rehearse a way to do it in their boat, even before going. Be prepared, we don't want to have a fish out of the water for anymore time then needed. But pictures are a trophy and a record of our fishing. I strongly suggest recording your nice fish quickly and releasing the fish for another day. I do..
Thanks you muskie guys.. At this rate I will be spending too much money and time on muskies and will get the addiction from you ..