59”+ River Giant – Wild Net Jobs – Cold Weather Tips

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St. Lawrence River GIANT!

Some days you catch fish. Other days… you witness history.

Imagine leaning over the gunnel and hoisting up a fish with a head the size of a bowling ball. The kind that makes your knees wobble and your brain short-circuit trying to process what’s happening.

And this one from the mighty St. Lawrence? Yeah… it’s that kind of fish.

Brad Roberts tied into a true river monster while fishing with legendary guide Pat Briere.

What followed wasn’t just a catch. It was one of those rare moments that reset what “big” really looks like.

Check the board… the tail doesn’t quite touch 60, but it clears 59.25 without breaking a sweat.

No tape stretching. No fish yoga.

Just raw, honest, freak-show length.

The fish crushed a Spanky Baits bucktail and was caught without using Livescope or any forward-facing sonar. It’s now officially the biggest musky ever landed on a Spanky. 💪

At this point, the St. Lawrence should probably have its own area code for 55”+ muskies. But even out there, this one is special.

Guide Pat Briere has seen his share of unicorns too, including a 59.25” back in 2018 from an angler visiting from England. 😳

Just another day at the office, right? 😅

Big congrats to Brad and Pat for tangling with one of the baddest river fish we’ve seen this season.

These are the moments that keep us rigging rods, skipping chores, and muttering “just one more cast” long after dark.

The St. Lawrence strikes again… and the legend keeps growing. 👀

 

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Net Jobs Gone Wild

There’s a fine line between glory and disaster when it’s time to scoop a musky, and these GIFs prove it.

Sometimes you’re cool, calm, and collected. Other times you’re halfway underwater with your buddy yelling, “Net! Net! Net!”

Let’s check out a few high drama boatside moments that’ll make you appreciate every clean net job you’ve ever had.

The Unhooked Miracle

Sometimes the fish gods smile on you. Clayton Spiess’s bucktail pops free, the musky’s seemingly lost, and somehow his lightning-fast net man Ryan Andrew makes the save.

Another One That Got (Un)Away

Here’s another “net job save” from the TN Moving Waters Facebook account. Hooks thrown, no hope… until a very long reach and a little luck turn the tide.

This one gives new meaning to “long arming” a fish.

The Human Overboard Save

Sam Scott goes down trying to net the fish. SPLASH!

Sometimes you’re cool, calm, and collected. Other times you’re in the drink and your crew’s yelling, “You all right, dude?!”

Sam’s response? “I’m good, keep fighting the fish.”

Like a true pro, he climbs back in, dripping wet, and still finishes the job.

Two for One Special

Check out this Two for One Special that went down in guide Phil Schweik’s boat. 👀

Doubling up is rare, but these two muskies both ate the same sucker at the same time. 🤯

You couldn’t script it if you tried. The ultimate “net full of chaos” moment. Can’t imagine what it felt like having two ‘skies on at once…

 

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Late Fall Gear/Tips

For all you laaaaate fall musky commandos that still have an open season and water to fish on . . .

In previous years we have put together a short list of important stuff to have on hand for late season musky fishing. Specifically, a thermos of boiling water, a blow torch, WD-40, floor mats, and hand warmers.

We thought we'd expand on that list with a few more must-have cold weather fishin' essentials - we'll keep it short & snappy:

1.Fresh Line - Now's a great time to put on fresh line or reverse the line that's already on your spool. Fresh line has less water retention, which is HUGE when air temps are below freezing.

2. Extra Gloves – Bring several pairs of extra gloves. We'd recommend keeping a pair dry and warm in your bibs/jacket, and you won't regret adding hand warmers to your system.

3. Toe Warmers – Try putting them on top of your feet instead of below – they will last longer. We'd definitely recommend grabbing the adhesive style to hold 'em in place, too.

4. Propane Heater – The old buddy heaters work great for reviving your frozen hands after handling a late fall 'skie.

5. Shake It Off – Consider shaking off a fish if it's not "the one". Less handling = warmer hands and more time with your bait in the water.

6. Bag of Kitty Litter or Cherry Stone - For added traction at the boat ramp if the launch is iced up, and it usually is....

7. Tow Strap – In case you need a second vehicle to help pull you out.

8. Move Less – Running between spots is what freezes up all your shhtuff. Minimize runtime and you'll have less problems with ice.

9. Ice Chisel/Scraper – Great for breaking up ice buildup at the boat ramp.

10. Small Flathead Screwdriver – When you need to gently chisel ice build-up from your fishing reel.

11. Safety Equipment – Wear your lifejacket, bring rescue items (throw ropes, life rings, etc) and emergency blankets and towels. If someone falls in the water, having a ladder is ideal, otherwise you can stand on the motor and trim up if you're unable to climb back into the boat.

12. Extra Rods & Reels – Bring every functioning rod and reel you can fit in the boat. Stuff breaks this time of year, so it pays to have extras.

#2 – Fresh off the bench. 🔥 B&N Custom Crankbaits are back at Ezoko in limited stock! And there’s a new weapon in the lineup: the jointed Magnum Stubby Slasher. Get ‘em while they last!

#3 – Hook sets and head shakes! 💥 Gotta love a clean eat on the fly, captured by Mike Corrigan in clear water, especially when you’re posted up in a 9’ inflatable.

#4 – Check out these three musky silhouettes carved from reclaimed wood, set against resin skies swirling like the Northern Lights. Handmade by Tupalee’s out of Green Bay, WI. Serious wall candy!

Pink Day magic strikes again! 🌕 Michael Collison and David Wiel teamed up on this 51.75” full-moon brute. Absolute unit.

Clocked out and locked in. 💥 Julian of @toronto.goon.anglers stuck this buzzer-beater 50” right at sunset on the Trent River. “The stuff dreams are made of.”

Brady Norton first spotted this 47” on the weedline with side imaging… a few casts later, she crushed his bucktail just a couple rod lengths from the boat! 💥 Congrats on the new PB, Brady!

Wanna be featured in Musky Insider? Send in your recent trophy musky photos by replying to this email. You might just see your pic in next week's newsletter. 🤙

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