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Catch & Release
 Although abundant in Ontario, muskie are relatively rare, compared with many other fish. To reflect this, the province has size and catch limits geared to maintaining great fisheries. As a result of these regulations and a firm belief in the importance of catch and release, most muskie are released. A muskie released properly will live to spawn and grow larger, and perhaps thrill another angler. An improperly released fish will die, often days later.
Muskie are big, powerful fish, with sharp teeth, so anglers should have adequate landing and release equipment on board their boat. This includes a big landing net or muskie cradle, long-nosed pliers for removing lightly imbedded hooks, and bolt cutters for removing deeply imbedded hooks and those near the fish's gills or eyes. Replacing a 50-cent hook is a small price to pay for releasing a muskie to live and stay in the fishery. A 60-inch tape measure and a camera can be used to record your catch.
When unhooking a muskie, don't place it in the bottom of the boat. This removes protective slime. Keep its head in the water. It can't breath in air. Don't yank on deeply imbedded hooks; cut them out with bolt cutters. After unhooking it, don't swish the fish back and forth in the water. Hold it upright to breath on its own. Release it when strong enough to swim off.
Courtesy of Muskies Canada
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