Shed (Lure) Hunting

CAN FISH SURVIVE IF PARTS OF HOOKS AND/OR LURES ARE LEFT IN THEM?

- Jordan Weeks

I was recently part of a panel discussion held by the Title-town Chapter of Muskies Inc. out of Green Bay, Wiscon-sin, whose members have done a great job promoting the safe handling of muskellunge. Other panelists included professional guides Phil Schweik, Kevin Pischke and Jeff Van Remortel. We covered many topics during the hour-long seminar, but one piqued my interest.

Do we know the fate of released muskies after hooks are cut (and left in the fish)? Most musky anglers believe that nearly every fish they release survives. What about fish that leave carrying all or parts of a 7/0 treble hook? Is the mortality rate different for these fish? Furthermore, I’ve heard more than one angler say they cut hooks on every musky they catch. Depending on skill level of the angler, that could mean a lot of metal stuck in fish.

What about a lure lodged in a musky’s mouth due to failed equipment? Whether it be from a broken line or failed leader, do those fish shed the hook or are they doomed?

I am not aware of any musky-specific research that addresses this question. However, several scientists from Canada have investigated this question as it relates to northern pike. Their findings can help answer the questions posed above.

Researchers Christopher Pullen, Robert Arlinghaus, Robert Lennox and Steven Cooke used telemetry to determine the fate of northern pike that break the line and escape capture.