mounted several heads of large musky on his garage in Antigo. (Keep in mind this was before the days of catch and release, and the first size limits.) HIS EQUIPMENT The earliest rod and reel combinations, used by Suick to work his lures were 5 to 5 1/2 foot rods made from pool cues or Caluatta canes, fitted with guides and a Pflueger Supreme reel. This type of cane pole was different from the bamboo cane poles we think of today. Caluatta is a woody plant stem with knots or knobs that grow closer together than bamboo creating a material twice as strong. These rods were light and had a stiff action capable of heaving suckers long distances. Braided steel leaders were used for years. Frank was always looking for an alternative, because the braided wire would fray and break where the swivel or sleeve was attached. Frank soon located some piano wire and began to make his own leaders. The boats of his day were 14 foot wooden shallow V hulls with a narrow bow. Even at that time most fishermen stood on the bench seats for better visibility, while wearing polaroid sunglasses. REPUTATION Soon after this new Suick lure was perfected, the news spread of Frank's incredible catch of 30 muskies in 30 days. Many serious musky anglers tried to beg, borrow or steal more information about his success and the new mysterious Suick lure. A few area fisherman even got together and decided to put together a petition, as a joke, to prohibit Frank Suick from fishing on Pelican lake.
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