Muskies Canada Public Release Program

Description and Goals

For those who are not familiar with the Muskies Canada Public Release Program, this is one of many initiatives that MCI has to raise awareness and educate the public about practicing Catch and Release. As deceiving as it may be, Muskies are quite fragile in regards to time out of the water and being handled in comparison to the smaller, less intimidating fish species. Also, Catch & Release can be hard for some when holding a massive Muskie that is over the legal limit. That's where the Public Release Program comes in.

 

The Public Release Program (PRP) honors those that demonstrate a strong commitment in conservation by awarding a pin and certificate of appreciation for a successful Catch & Release of a Muskellunge above the legal limit for that waterbody. The PRP is for anyone who is not a member of MCI. Along with your pin and certificate, your picture will be included in our photo gallery that is located here in the PRP section.

 

David Headley 55 inch Released Trophy

David Headley 55 inch Released Trophy

 

Why Should You Participate?

Trophy sized fish can produce more eggs per spawn numbering in the tens of thousands of a trophy DNA strain.

A Trophy fishery does not exist when all trophies are harvested.

A modern Fiberglass Replica can still provide a wall mount while your fish of a lifetime still lurks in the depths. All that is needed is:

  1. Accurate length and girth measurements
  2. A few good photos to duplicate the color patterns

 

Requirements To Qualify

  • Muskellunge must be successfully caught and released.
  • Muskellunge must be caught and released in Canadian waters. Citizenship of angler is not of concern.
  • Muskellunge must be the minimum size limit or above for that body of water, as specified by Provincial Regulations.
  • Photo of the fish

 

If you are interested and would like to support and participate in the PRP this season, you can fill out the online form or get in touch with me directly with your info and picture at:

publiceducation@muskiescanada.ca

 

Public Release Program Links