Muskie Partner for 43 years
My Muskie fishing partner of 43 years Ray passed away this week after a long battle which left him wheelchair bound. I’m sad that he’s gone, but I’m glad he isn’t in constant pain anymore. This photo was taken after we fished for 10 hours in the rain & sleet in late November for muskies. We caught 3 fish that day, nothing huge just typical Wisconsin Muskies, 36” 38” and 42” all released. The lake froze over that night. It was our last trip up North before he lost the use of his legs.
We use to fish quietly for hours, not saying anything just casting and enjoying nature around us in the beautiful Northwoods.
He was a great net man and between us we never lost a Muskie netting them. Not many people can make that claim.
Did we lose fish during the fight, oh yeah many lost that way. But our record boat-side was spotless.
Just left his place and his son just gave me all his Muskie gear and hats. Ray left me his fishing gear in his will to me.
I had to pull over I was crying in the car.
I’m at peace that my pal is not suffering, just sad we can’t drag suckers in snowstorms before ice-up anymore. Or bitch about our reels freezing up at 10 degrees outside.
Those were our vacations every fall chasing old mossback Muskie !
RIP Ray.
Mac