Last night I had an invitation to do some trolling for Musky on the Rideau at night and since I really don't target Musky often I thought it'd be great to get a chance for an early Fall beast. So I grab my puny selection of Musky/Pike baits and some leaders, my pool cue rod and baitcaster, and a rain jacket and camera....just in case.
As I mentioned I don't have a great selection of big baits, but I've always had luck with my 7" sinking Rebel minnows catching everything from big Bass to Musky and Barracuda to Kingfish on them. So I had my confidence lure tied on and we begin trolling at about 7:30 PM. I had two bumps early with no hook ups and one fish boiled at the big bucktail spinner. It seemed like they were just nosing at the baits.
Right before dark I got a big hit on my trusty Rebel and the fight was on. I hadn't hooked into a big Musky for a long time and my personal best was a skinny 40" river Musky in Pennsylvania many many years ago so it was a rush to have a decent fish jumping behind the boat!
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Image](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/redsupnorth/IMG_0490.jpg)
We didn't take the time for measurement or weight as it took a bit of time to free the big trebles from its jaw, but I'd say it's in the 15-20 lb. range and low 40 inches. My hands shook for about 15 minutes after releasing that beautiful predator ( I see why Musky fishing is so addicting)!
Maybe 15 minutes later as we trolled past a weed line and I'm chatting with my friends Keith and Captain Pat I see my rod bent over again in the holder and proceed to reel in a nice, but smaller fish. Once to the boat we realize it's a big Walleye and another personal best. Again, no time for weighing or measuring, but it was a very thick fish.
![Image](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/redsupnorth/IMG_0495.jpg)
Here's a couple pics of the crew that night as we all share in the successful catch:
![Image](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/redsupnorth/IMG_0494.jpg)
![Image](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/redsupnorth/IMG_0492.jpg)
So all in all I'm happy to report some success in a method of fishing I don't resort to often and two PB in one night! I must be livin' right!
Life is good
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon/lol.gif)
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon/lol.gif)
Tight Lines,
ratsotail