A father-son team recently experienced an extraordinary angling adventure on Lake Champlain, culminating in the capture of an enormous muskie that, while not officially recognized, would undoubtedly set a new state benchmark. Their remarkable catch unfolded during a challenging Father's Day fishing competition, a tradition they've upheld for 14 consecutive years. This year's event was particularly memorable, not only for the size of their prize but also for the perseverance they demonstrated, having overcome a boat accident just weeks prior. Their dedication and love for the sport were evident as they navigated rough waters and ultimately landed a fish that left them, and those who witnessed it, in awe of its sheer magnitude.
The Gagne family's journey to this impressive feat was filled with unexpected turns. Merely two weeks before the annual LCI Father's Day Derby, Josh and James Gagne's boat was rendered unusable. Undeterred, they promptly acquired a new vessel, meticulously equipping it for their customary fishing excursion. On June 20th, their newly prepared boat embarked on its inaugural journey, which proved to be a harbinger of success. The following day, amidst adverse weather conditions characterized by persistent storms, they were rewarded with their first-ever muskie, a specimen of such colossal proportions that it instantly became a local legend.
The conditions on Lake Champlain that weekend were far from ideal, with powerful storms creating four-foot waves that tested the resilience of all participants. On the initial day of the derby, Saturday, the Gagnes bravely traversed these tumultuous waters, targeting walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Despite losing a significant nine-pound walleye, they managed to secure an eight-pound northern pike, a testament to their skill and determination in the face of nature's challenges. Their Sunday strategy involved venturing into deeper waters, employing a steady trolling speed of two miles per hour. Utilizing walleye setups equipped with 10-pound test lines and Rapala Floating Minnows, which descended to approximately 15 feet, they meticulously navigated through 25 feet of water, ensuring their lures remained about 10 feet above the lakebed. It was during this methodical process that one of their rods dramatically bent over, signaling the start of their unforgettable encounter.
The initial jolt suggested they had hit the bottom, but a quick glance at the fish finder dispelled that notion. As James Gagne took hold of the rod, the distinct head-shaking movements confirmed they had hooked a formidable creature. The true scale of their catch became apparent when the fish dramatically launched itself four feet out of the water, creating a powerful splash reminiscent of a beaver's tail slap. Observing the immense girth of the fish, James contemplated whether they had snared an exceptionally large pike or a trophy muskie. The fish then made a direct charge towards their boat, revealing its massive head and the crankbait firmly embedded in its jaw. Exercising caution due to the light fishing line, James maintained the rod tip just above the water's surface, effectively "walking" the colossal fish for an estimated half-mile. It was at this juncture that they faced a significant challenge: their salmon net proved woefully inadequate for the nearly five-foot-long muskie.
Recognizing the predicament, Josh Gagne quickly contacted his uncle, who was also participating in the derby and was only a short distance away. His uncle, experienced in catching muskies, provided crucial advice on how to successfully land such a large fish. Following the guidance, Josh managed to guide the muskie's head into their net, while James secured its tail. Together, they exerted considerable effort to hoist the immense fish over the gunnel and into the boat. Just as they completed this arduous task, their uncle arrived, his exclamation of disbelief at the sight of the colossal muskie underscoring its impressive size.
In Vermont, stringent regulations govern muskie fishing, mandating the immediate release of all caught fish. Adhering to these conservation guidelines, the father and son swiftly weighed their catch on a hand scale, which registered a remarkable 40.94 pounds. The muskie was out of the water for only a brief period, and they watched it descend back into the depths of Lake Champlain after its release, a moment of profound satisfaction. This weight significantly surpasses the existing state record of 38 pounds 3.5 ounces, held by Chris Beebe. However, due to Vermont's strict policy requiring potential record-breaking fish to be harvested, officially weighed on a certified scale, and inspected by a biologist, the Gagnes' exceptional catch could not be formally recognized. Despite this, there was no doubt in Josh's mind that their muskie was the largest fish caught during the entire derby, a personal triumph that will undoubtedly be recounted for years to come.