Line Class Records

[RoyC]

As most of us know, the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame maintains numerous line class records for many fish species and for both kept and released fish. I don't see the harm in this for most species, but does it make sense for muskies? Many, if not most, muskie fishers seem to agree that you should land a muskie as soon as possible to avoid over-stressing it. Now that we have such good superlines with low diameters and high strengths, why would one ever use a lighter line for musky? And why recognize the use of lighter lines with records?

Roy

[kap n jim]

I agree with you Roy. My friend caught a 44-inch muskie, with an ultra-light and 4 lb. test, using a 1/8 oz. jig while walleye fishing this year. Doing this by accident is one thing, but trying to set a record using light tackle for muskies would be insane and it should not be promoted. -jim

[Tom B]

It is even sillier to see "trophy hunters" going after marlin and tuna line-class records with 4-10 pound test. Brings whole new meaning to the word ridiculous.

I did catch a 25 pound carp a couple of years ago on 6 pound test. It was very difficult and in the end, me and fish were pretty wiped out.

Tom B

[Musk Rat]

I don`t think many people are fishing for line class records for muskie anyway. Thanks to Joe bass and joe walleye all the light lines are taken with upper fourty to fifty pound class fish. Ironicaly I think the radke fish broke Len Hartmans one legitamate record a 47# line class record from Eagel lake. 17# line is standard on the Larry due to the clear water. Since most of the guides fish only the cold water period I don`t think it`s that harmful.

[M usk Rat]

Not that harmful if they release them I should say.