Trophy Tales: Landing huge muskie was not quite as easy as pie

May 25, 2016 at 4:45PM
Gary Rayppy with this nice Muskie.
Gary Rayppy with this nice Muskie. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gary Rayppy, Minneapolis • Muskie (did not measure) • Daisy Bay, Lake Vermilion

It was a homemade rhubarb pie that helped me land this monster muskie, pictured above. It was opening weekend. I was fishing off the dock at my friends' cabin on Daisy Bay, Lake Vermilion. I was surprised when my walleye fishing, using a minnow and a bobber, was interrupted by this beauty. I was alone and without a landing net. I yelled for help. No one answered. I fought the muskie for about 20 minutes before my friend Joe appeared. We safely landed this beautiful muskie, and after taking the picture, the fish was quickly returned to the lake. Joe said he had stopped by for a promised piece of homemade rhubarb pie. It was enjoyed by all.

MONSTER WALLEYE

Kristin Viger, of Excelsior, caught this 31-inch walleye while anchored on Lake Minnetonka. Viger landed the 9-pound, 2-ounce fish using bobbers and worms on a 4-pound test line.
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Kristin Viger, of Excelsior, caught this 31-inch walleye while anchored on Lake Minnetonka. Viger landed the 9-pound, 2-ounce fish using bobbers and worms on a 4-pound test line.

QUICK STRIKE

11-year old Jack Schaefer, of Orono, had only been out on Lake Minnetonka for 10 minutes when he caught this 47-inch muskie. Schaefer, fishing with his $1 lure, reeled it in all on his own.
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

11-year old Jack Schaefer, of Orono, had only been out on Lake Minnetonka for 10 minutes when he caught this 47-inch muskie. Schaefer, fishing with his $1 lure, reeled it in all on his own.

TROPHY TALES: To be considered for our fishing page, e-mail your photo and story to fishphoto@startribune.com. Identify anglers and where they live, and include a brief tale, including where and how it was caught.

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