I had feelings of guilt while heading out for a muskellunge fishing adventure. My Uncle Harold Yount passed away Sunday night after a bout with lung cancer and other issues. My friend, Frank “MUSKIE” Maus and I had planned this day out. Initially after his passing I cancelled, but after the dates of funeral services became known, I decided to contact Frank and go ahead and fish.
The morning was very pleasant and cool. As the morning progressed a breeze became the norm and the temperatures edged upward into the low eighty degree range. At 9:00 A.M. local church bells rang out marking the time. It is about that time we began casting lures into the waters of the Allegheny River near Kittanning, Pennsylvania.
Preparing for release!
Muskie!
Frank had snagged a fish while retrieving his lure. He theorized it may have been a bass or shad. I saw the shine as the fish turned. I had casted approximately 10-12 casts when I felt the weight and struggle begin. I had caught a beaut of a muskie! The fight was on!
After a few minutes of exciting fishing I had the fish tiring enough to work it towards the boat’s side.Both, Frank and I believe in playing the fish quickly to release as fast as possible. This helps insure safety and a much better chance of successfully releasing the muskie to a long life.
Frank has a floating measuring device he had made and he placed it measure alongside of the fish. I looked and the tail edged alongside of the 44 inch mark, give or take a bit. I held the fish by the tail and Frank removed the barbed hooks from the tiger’s mouth. The muskie has many sharp and dangerous teeth. These teeth point backwards towards the fish’s belly. Don’t get them in your flesh for the pain is difficult.
I held the muskie’s tail for moment or two making sure the fish appeared to be good to go and shortly she was off. I was elated as you might have guessed. Frankie was, probably more giddy than I for we both laughed for a while afterwards. The remainder of our fishing adventure produced no more muskies. 
Later on, I spotted a deer along the west side of the river and saw something else in the water about 100 yards from the shore. I gave it little thought thinking goose.A moment or two later, I told Frank what is that in the water. I reached for my binoculars and was very much surprised to see a buck rapidly heading for the eastern shore! WOW!
I couldn’t thank Frankie enough for the day. We had our usual laughs and conversation and some great memories.
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Yesterday, I had went to a local state game lands for a walk and carp fishing. I caught an 18 incher. Later, as I walked about I found the remains of a black bear!
Larry A. Smail's Blog 