Catch, Photo, Release (CPR) is the common practice of musky anglers. The results of CPR have become obvious, more and bigger musky! CPR sounds easy, but even the most experienced musky hunter will tell you it can be difficult at times. Poor handling of a musky can defeat your best intentions of a safe release. Basic CPR can help ensure your musky-pike-walleye lives to grow and fight another day. Please help educate others on Quick-Safe-Release methods.

THE CATCH
Before angling for muskellunge and pike make sure you are prepared and bring along: LARGE LANDING NET / (2) NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS / BOLT CUTTERS / BOGA-GRIP DEVICE / JAW SPREAD / FIRST AID KIT / CAMERA   
*Keep these items readily available*

3 QUICK RULES
1. Do not play the fish to complete exhaustion
2. Keep the fish in the net
3. Keep the net in the water



THE HANDLING
How is the musky hooked?

Do the hooks need to be cut with a bolt cutters?

Cut hooks if it is the safest way to remove the fish from the bait. 

REMOVING HOOKS
Often, once a musky is the net the bait will become entangled in the mesh allowing the fish to shake loose from the bait using its own weight & leverage.
For a 100% Water Release attaching a Boga-Grip type device to the lower jaw (see photo) is an effective way to control the fish. 
If 2  sets of hooks from one bait need to be removed, cut the hooks on one set before proceeding   
Attach the needle nose pliers to the hook(s).  With a solid Grip & Leverage, "Pop" or "Snap" each hook out.  Don't "tear" them out.
Once the fish is removed from the bait, allow it to relax in the net with its head and body submerged under the water.
*Every situation is a little different, so handle each one with care*

REMOVING MUSKY FROM NET / WATER
Is your camera person ready? Place your hand onto-along the gill plate, do not touch the actual gills.  Slide your hand up towards the lower jaw bone, then apply pressure with your thumb to the outside jaw. Maintain a firm grip.  Put your other hand under the belly of the fish to support its "weight".  Hold your breath and lift fish from net, be gentle but swift.


THE PHOTO
A couple quick photos should take less than 10 seconds. If you have run out of breath, the fish has been out of the water unnecessarily long.

THE RELEASE

Lay the fish back into the water with both hands.  Maintain control of the fish by holding its tail. We suggest releasing musky in shallower water. 

If you have handled your musky as we have suggested above, the fish will "wake up" instantly and wont stay around long. 

While maintaining control of the fish swim it in a forward direction. Do not pull the fish backwards.


Allow the musky time to re-gain its strength.


When a musky is revived it will swim out of your grip or control. 

Stick around for a few minutes afterward.