Giant Muskie Surprises Ice Fisherman

Incredible muskie catch is an impressive end to this anglers day on the ice.

The Iowa great lakes are know for producing some giant fish. You should know that by now. The Spirit Lake and Okoboji area are a joy to summer and winter water sports fanatics alike. But joy barely begins to describe the emotion Mike Fogarty felt during a recent day on the ice, set up by expedition guide John Grosvenor.

Fogarty was enjoying time fishing with his family and was about to pack things up for the day. It was just then that one of his rattle reels started running. It didn't take long for Fogarty to realize there was no ordinary little pan fish on the other end.

He wasn't able to track time, but he says it felt like forever. Eventually, the family stood around looking at a whopping 49" muskie. Because muskies aren't in season, they removed the hook, snapped a couple quick photos, and released the giant back through the ice.

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The fish measured 26 inches around. For reference, the circumference of an 8 inch ice hole is just 25.12".

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