fish has increased in recent years. Way back in 1993 Doug Stange wrote an article that was published in the August issue of "In-Fishermen", where he made this observation; "every inch here and there, "every 48 inch fish that is suddenly 50, even every 49 inch fish that is rounded to 50 inches, and certainly every 52 inch fish that stretches easily buy photo to 55 inches, is to lessen the wonder of it all when reality strikes." So obviously, it isn't a totally new phenomenon. I think that quote addresses the heart of my concern. So many musky are exaggerated in size that the wonder and excellence of legitimately catching big fish has been diminished. Expectations have been raised to unrealistic levels. I have had clients that are embarrassed to admit that they have never caught a 50 inch musky! Their expectations and the reality were just not in alignment. I didn't think less of their fishing skills or commitment, but I was impressed with their honesty. While there are many true sportsmen who musky fish simply because they love the sport, there are also a few people that do it solely because they are interested in their bottom line. It is to be expected that the size and legendary status of muskies is going to attract a fair amount of people that are only in it for their egos or the money. I guess that is what compels some people to exaggerate the size and number of their fish. So how big does a musky have to be to be considered a trophy? I will give a few examples to give you some perspective. Most of my clients these days are regulars that have fished with me for years. In the days past when I would take more new clients, it was common for me to get calls from fishermen that had been fishing muskies for 10, 20, or even 30 years and were finally going to hire a guide because they still had never caught what they consider to be the trophy of their dreams.
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