Anchor Tagged Muskies

[Todd Forcier]

Hello to all, I’ve been asked by several fishermen and received several emails about the “tagged” muskies on Petenwell.

Here’s the facts:
• Fyke nets were set on March 25th and lifted daily until April 16th.
• A total of 254 (21 recaptures) muskellunge were captured.
• 93 Females ranged in size from 31.2 to 47.7 inches.
• 129 Males ranged in size from 29.3 to 45.0 inches.
All fish were marked with a right Ventral fin clip and 171 had a PIT tag inserted into the cheek. Fish over 45 inches also got an external anchor tag.

On each anchor tag will be a phone number to call and a number that has been assigned to the fish. Here’s what you can do when you catch a musky with an anchor tag. *Use the phone number below for Justine's direct line.
• Write down the number on the tag.
• Get an accurate measurement.
• Location of your catch. This will let Justine know travel of the fish from where it was processed to catch.
• Call Justine at 715.421.7845 with said information. You can also email her at justine.hasz@wisconsin.gov.
• Feel free to send photos.

I hope this helps answer any and all questions about the anchor tags.
Once again we’d like to “thank” Justine Hasz and her team for their dedication to Petenwell.

In the photos below is a placed tag and Wes Michels holds a beautiful 41-inch musky, which had a clipped fin and anchor tag. Nice catch Wes.