2 weeks in the western UP with the goal of catching a muskie, my first muskie. After outing on 2 muskie lakes without so much as a follow, I was getting a bit discouraged. I decided to try and change my luck and go out at night. Again I was seeing nothing, both figuratively and literally. My wife suggested that we try fishing by the swimming area of our campground( she was told as a kid by the owner that muskies came to feed there at night). After 5 or so casts with my Top Raider, a deep splash in the direction of my lure was heard. In my negative state I assumed that it was a muskie that missed my lure and that would be the last I would see or hear of it. Just then I heard another splash and this time there was weight on the end of my line. I set the hook hard and the fight was on. I could feel every head shake and jump. I was screaming for my wife to get the net. I got the fish close to the boat and I could finally see that this was a big one. It took a run ripping line from my reel. I was able to turn it back to the boat, the first attempt at netting was unsuccessful. It ran again. I got it back to the boat and this time the net found the fish. After a bit of time trying to get to the hook, I was able to get the lure out, get a quick pic and safely return this beast to the lake. I couldn't get an actual measurement because of how long it was out of the water but he was 40+" and more than likely a legal muskie. An amazing experience to say the least! I'm hooked!

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