Another night outing

[Craw]

Went out this evening just before dark and fished until midnight. I caught a few redeye,

along with several smallies on a black spinnerbait. I got 2 pretty good sized hybrids on a

black and blue pig-n-jig, and one heck of a musky on a Bomber 7A(red). It was a real

challenge to land this particular musky. My crankin rod was loaded with 10lb test so I

wasn't able to put much pressure on the fish at all, for fear of breaking off. After a pretty

good tussle, I finally saw that it was in fact a musky, and the whole crankbait was inside

those jaws. I loosened up the drag and just kept gentle pressure on the beast while I

followed it around with my trolling motor. I have to say, this fish was by far the strongest

and most determined that I've encountered in quite a while. Needless to say, once I had

it boat side, I had to use my net. I hoisted it over the side just as the nylon webbing tore

away. From that point, it became a wrestling match to finally gain control over it. Tore up

my left hand(again) on those little razor teeth. All of this is going on mind you, fishing by

myself with nothing except my stern light to see by. I felt truly blessed to enjoy yet another

night out on that wonderful New River.

Pictures didn't turn out so good, but here's a couple of that musky.

This is one of the hybrids

Caught several smallies about this size

[David P]

Holy cow,  That musky is incredible.

You're very lucky you get to fish at night! Only place near me to fish closes at sundown  >

Congrats on the great night fishing!

[T-rig]

What a night! Congrats! By the way, you're bleeding. ;D Those muskys have some teeth on them!

[tallydude]

I had no idea they had muskies in Virginia. Well done, Craw!

[logger]

Holy cow is right! That's 2 muskies in the last week for you isn't it? Man what a fish.

[edbassmaster]

Nice job landin that fish on 10lb...no leader? Ive lost much smaller northerns...fluero carbon vs razor sharp teeth. Excellent job for sure!!!!

[Craw]

Nice job landin that fish on 10lb...no leader? Ive lost much smaller northerns...fluero carbon vs razor sharp teeth. Excellent job for sure!!!!

No leader. I've toyed with the idea of using some type of leader, in the event I hook a musky while bass fishing. I really can't come up with a happy medium that will reduce my chances of breaking off, and still not effect the action of my (bass)baits. Believe me, I to have lost my fair share of baits to these critters. One thing I've been doing lately when hooking one of these toothy gators is applying as little pressure as possible, during the fight, while still maintaining a taught line. I've been fortunate to land the last 4 I've hooked, but that's not to say I'll land the next one. I have no intention to ever specifically target musky, so not being prepared with leaders, stout tackle, huge nets, etc...is just a risk I'll have to take. I'm much to devoted to all the bass I've yet to catch.

[MarVaBC]

Wow what a fish man!!!  I still have yet to catch one of those.  I came close last year on the James, but it came off close to the boat, and it was strictly due to putting too much pressure on the fish!  I had on 30 lb braid, so I got a little anxious.

Great job...you are killin them (and smallies) down there on the New!

[burleytog]

Looks like I need to start saving for gas to the NRV.