A Few Stories By Justin Mullins

As I sit here in the middle of January wanting to go fishing I start thinking about this past season. Last season was a year of it's own. With weather way below normal and our water temps not reaching their usuall of mid 80's it made for some great fishing all season long. Just like the month of July here at Cave Run, the muskies were on fire. It makes me wonder about global warning!! All over musky range north to south fishing was great. On our annual Canada trip the temps was below normal but it was comfortable for us as anglers and the fishing was great also. Sometimes I think all us that fish the Cave all the time should really sit back and give thanks for having such a beautiful lake, full of  muskies.. If you have never seen this place in person please due so on your own or allow us here at Crash's Landing to show you this wonderful lake and all it's beauty. There are so many stories from this past season I don't where to start but here is one that sticks out in mind above all others. I hope you enjoy it..

 

In early spring I had a client from Florida that was visiting his son in Louisville. Both of these gentlemen had never seen a musky nor fished for them before. This client just happened to be 80 and retired in the 70's from the New York City Police Department. (Bronx) Talk about some funny stories this guy had them. After fishing about an hour I hear an exciting voice saying I think I have something. Giving the benefit of doubt I turned to look and saw his rod doubled down and the drag ripping out. So I jumped to the back of boat looking at a smile I can't describe on his face while he is in the fight of his life. He says Justin, I need some help it's been 30 years since I've been in a fight. I told him to do nothing but reel and I would help. So I grab the line in front of reel and I would pull on it and let the fish have some when needed with him cranking as fast hard as he could. After about 10 minutes of fighting this super fat fish I finally got her to boat then I started thinking of plan to net this big fish. So I told him when I tell you to pull put both thumbs on the spool and pull as hard as you can. I told him pull hard and he did and I slid the net under this big fish. Having this fish in net I turned to him and after several high fives I began to get the hooks out her. I told them both that this fish is close to 50" not yet knowing for sure. When I raised the fish out of the net there was that same huge smile his face and I again said this fish will be close 50". We took some great pictures of this huge fish and before releasing it I measured it at 48" with a 23" girth. This fish was full of eggs and was probably as big it was going to get for the year. I put it back into the water and she swam off great and turned around to only get a big hug and thank you from him. It's things like this that makes love what I do guiding people for the memories for them and me. He said you sure know how to make an ole man feel good. Great Day!!!