Muskie trapping at Skinner...

[Jed Pearson]

...I thought I'd post an update on our DNR muskie trapping currently underway at Skinner Lake.

We set the trap Monday and caught seven yesterday and nine today. Yesterday's fish measured 33.5 to 39 inches and today's were 33 to 39 inches. So far, six have been 36 inches or larger.

Water temp dropped from 40F on Tuesday to 38F today.

[idbefishing]

I'm curious, how do you trap a muskie?

[Jed Pearson]

We use a large trap designed originally for commercial fishing for yellow perch on the Great Lakes.

The design is similar to a small minnow trap, only much bigger. The lead alone is something like 500 feet long. It funnels fish into a large box frame draped with netting.

We've tried smaller traps but they don't work as well. Gill nets and shocker boats aren't very effective either at catching muskies.

I've posted more information and a couple photos of our trapping at Skinner on the Hoosier Muskie Hunters message board.
http://www.hoosiermuskie.com/forum.shtml

We'll finish up tomorrow.

[cincinnati]

Anything new/interesting (muskies) going on @ Brookville? I see that the stocking numbers have been cut way back.