We have been cautioned against making a scientifically based pronouncement here, and we are not doing that; rather, we feel it necessary to inform our fellow musky anglers of the results to date. In the meantime, until the final results are announced, it may be wise to err on the side of caution and avoid the use of single hook rigs. EVIDENCE OF LONG TERM CONDITIONING? One of the most frequently asked questions about the study throughout the past year was whether there was any evidence that the conditioning observed during the first year (as a result of the catch and release experience) is long term. While the monel tagging program that was conducted by Chippewa Flowage musky guides from 1979-1986 indicated that the likelihood of recapture diminished with each catch and release experience, Further evidence was needed as to the cause of the diminished recapture rates. The radio-tagging of the Muskies from the first year of the 1998 CFMS provided that opportunity. To recap – only 6 of the 47 Muskies within the CFMS-Y1 were recaptured during the first year. In 1999, only 3 of the original 47 were reported being recaptured and none of the six Muskies that were recaptured in 1998 were known to have been recaptured during the 1999 season. The majority may have learned to avoid recapture. Another potential indicator of long-term conditioning may have been observed during the CFMS-Y2. On several occasions, after a musky had hit a sucker and while we were awaiting the usual 3 minute period allotted for the swallowing of a sucker by a musky, we were able to manipulate the movements and directions of the musky. For example, on one occasion, a musky hit a sucker on the bottom in 22 feet of water in an area that featured 3 major
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