It is a tough line to walk. When you try telling people not to keep a 56" fish, people will call you an "elitist."

What the…. Where's my edit button? I meant PETA. But, I guess all of us muskie fishermen can be a Pain In The Azz too. 😀

"Burglar34" said:
Are there any programs to raise awareness about musky in areas with musky lakes (similar to your KTD signs).

Open to suggestions- What did you have in mind!? There are kinda limited opportunities to campaign the good word about muskies. The very first and hardest part is you have at least having a somewhat willing/interested audience! Surprisingly, at least surprising to us musky fisherman who are generally much more "into" fish and educated etc., is that very few people even care enough to listen. Sad but true

But keep in mind that every time you are on the water is the best chance at passing along info to someone who might listen and care.

MMA should teach like a Public Relations class during the winter on how to effectively communicate on the water… (only half joking here… hmmm). You know, some basics like be friendly and courteous, start by showing an interest in what they are doing/fishing, be willing to give up a minute of your time, be SURE you know your material for fact and can back it up… hmmm.

Oh- and I nominate the primary instructor for this Miss Manners Musky class would be Ron Berry!!!!

"mskyprey" said:
I have talked to a dozen or so property owners and Musky fisherman (non MMA) on Austin who thought Muskie were naturally reproducing.

I'm guilty of that as well until I joined last year. The MMA has opened my eyes to many misconceptions I had as a non-muskie angler. I think it is taken for granted that other anglers have a more thorough understanding of muskies and the importance of CPR, temperature and stress sensitivity, etc. I feel it is important to educate at a more basic level to those not only targeting muskies but those that also fish muskie waters for toher species.

Steve had mentioned an idea a short while ago about advertising some muskie facts and MMA info in the DNR rules and regulations booklet that is put out each year. I don't know how much this would cost, but it did strike me as a good way to educate those possibly thinking of muskie fishing, and may help instill some key facts in the minds of anglers who may incidentally catch a muskie while targeting other species. Food for thought.