Well a short prefishing trip to Island Lake south went well and ended with me landing a 48 inch x 20 inch girth muskie weighting 22.5 pounds on a crappie jig on 4 lb test line, no leaders of course. That was awesome.. It took us over 20 minutes and I don't think it knew it was in trouble until it was too late. It jumped out of the water a couple times, clearing 3 feet, then slowly moving into the deep water. We kept the trolling motor over it to keep the line out of it's mouth. The only bad thing, was that it ended up very stressed and wiped and would not go on release. Considering that AND that it is a great catch of a lifetime on 4 pound test, this one is headed to a taxidermist. We even had it in the water a couple times to try and release it, but it just wasn't in the cards. But a 48 inch muskie on 4 pound test makes this an awesome fish and a great story too. We were surprised that it didn't handle the catch that well, especially considering the tiny hook was just in the corner of it's mouth. It must have been old and just not able to handle the stress, the warm water, and how long it took. At the boat it spit out a 7 inch largemouth. That must have been dinner.
This was a true trophy and one I am very glad to see. No more for the wall for me. Unless it breaks 55 inches or 40 pounds, then a replica would be just fine.
Called taxidermists and they are ranging from $8 to $10 per inch. It has been a long time for me and it used to be $7/inch. I seldom put one on the wall, and recommend taking pictures and getting a replica instead, unless it is just not making it, which this one was done.
Good fishing and have a great day.