Quote:
Originally Posted by Otter
I've caught a couple Northern Pike in PA and they would die from the slightest misstep when removing the hook. Are Muskie the same?
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If you're talking big Pike and Musky, it's not so much removing the hook as it is how hard they fight. A lot of people who catch them are not using the right combo to get them to the boat without causing exhaustion. Missing the net on the first attempt is often a serious mistake. They will literally fight until they have nothing left and at that point they require a very quick unhook and significant reviving before you can let them go. Barbless or crimped barbs help as every second counts on a fish of that size, and some lakes even require them, but when they're played out they're just played out.
It's why a lot of the world class Pike and Musky end up getting ate by people who would normally have no intentions of eating them.