I'm in Wiscansan and every time I cruise out for an open-water swim the fishermen tell me to watch out for muskies. It's Lake Wingra in Madison if anyone is familiar. I was like "whateva, I do what I wont," but see, now I'm starting to get a little freaked out. I'm not worried when I'm actually swimming, because I'm sure I make enough of a racket to scare them off. But whenever I stop to rest my little toes are dangling in a very appetizing way, and I'm wondering what kind of damage a fish could do if it tried to take a bite. Could I actually lose a finger or a toe? Can they grab me and pull me under water and get me in one of those "death rolls?" If I punch them will they let go, or are they crazy? How do these fish behave? I swim way out in the middle of the lake because I don't want any weeds getting in my business, but maybe I shouldn't be out there because the biggest fish live there. Any thoughts?
Triathlon Forum
Login required to started new threads
Login required to post replies
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Post deleted by MartinP
[ In reply to ]
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Tom A.]
[ In reply to ]
Yeah, it's gross. But I live about 300 yards from the boat launch so it's real convenient. I run from my apartment in my wetsuit straight into the water. And then when I'm done I can run back to my apartment in my speedo and upset all the old ladies/families that are my neighbors. I move out this weekend and they all can't wait.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Sausagetail]
[ In reply to ]
Just don't watch River Monsters before you compete! Fresh water fish can get BIG!
Rav Dighe
Coach & Director
w: http://www.alohatri.com
e: rav@alohatri.com
Rav Dighe
Coach & Director
w: http://www.alohatri.com
e: rav@alohatri.com
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
First entry into the new strange denizens of Open Water swimming thread... ;-)
Don't worry about the muskies. I would worry more about snapping turtles. And keep your nipples away from those pesky bluegills.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
The Musky is a hunter. It wants to eat things that move around. In the summer the guys actually use what is known as "topwater" baits. They skim things that look like mice or whatever across the top of the water.
You should really be more concerned about Tiger Muskies. They are bred to be killers.
Finally, I wouldn't be concerned about fish at all. My concern would be for the algae eating snakes the DNR has put into the Madison Lake system. Those things freak me out.
Good Luck,
chris
"You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will know."
~John Collins, Ironman founder
Member HED Mafia
You should really be more concerned about Tiger Muskies. They are bred to be killers.
Finally, I wouldn't be concerned about fish at all. My concern would be for the algae eating snakes the DNR has put into the Madison Lake system. Those things freak me out.
Good Luck,
chris
"You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will know."
~John Collins, Ironman founder
Member HED Mafia
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Are you seriously affraid of a musky? Those fishermen should be affraid. They have to remove hooks out of a mouth full of teeth.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Musky are not vicious sea creatures. They like to cuddle. This one came out of the water I swim in. No it is not my fish. I wish it were though. Don't sweat it, just take off the toe rings.
Scott McNamee
Cranks Bicycle Shoppe
Scott McNamee
Cranks Bicycle Shoppe
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I think that you should stick to the adage, "train the way you race." It might be a good idea to become accustomed to swimming with vicious carnivorous creatures, depending upon which races are in your schedule.
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Come down here to South Georgia and go for an open water swim. We have these:
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Robert Preston]
[ In reply to ]
You think that those things are dangerous? I have to swim with THESE:
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
They are essentially fresh water Barracudas...
Think about it.
Think about it.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
You should hope to be attacked by a musky! There would be interviews, appearances on the Today show, the Late Show, book deals, endorsement deals, the made for TV movie....
All that's to say that it would be like a lightning strike. Plus you'd survive and not really need any medical treatment to speak of (antiseptic and bandaids).
All that's to say that it would be like a lightning strike. Plus you'd survive and not really need any medical treatment to speak of (antiseptic and bandaids).
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Ummm...that's sorta understandable...heck, I used to wind surf on Monona Bay, although I was less likely to be having my head in the water doing that than you...
Why? Because the house I was living in (the big yellow duplex on the corner of Drake and Shore drive) was right across the street from the bay :-)
http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
"whenever I stop to rest my little toes are dangling in a very appetizing way, and I'm wondering what kind of damage a fish could do if it tried to take a bite."
I would suggest NOT skinny dipping.
I would suggest NOT skinny dipping.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Remember, these are some of the same guys who sit out there on the ice all winter, getting hammered on Korbel and Miller Lite, trying to catch a fish through a hole. I would consider their sanity.
___________________________
De que depende?
___________________________
De que depende?
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
it's a fisherman's joke. The muskie is known as 'the fish of ten thousand casts' because they're so tough to catch; that is, not very aggressive. They are ambush predators, so extremely unlikely to attack in deep open water.
The Northern Pike is in the same family, there are stories in Europe of these things biting kids, dogs, etc, but those are mostly legends.
The Northern Pike is in the same family, there are stories in Europe of these things biting kids, dogs, etc, but those are mostly legends.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [doug in co]
[ In reply to ]
Out trout fishing once in Denmark, a pike surfaced next to my boat. Startled the heck out of me. The thing was huge. I would not want to try to debunk that particular legend.
___________________________
De que depende?
___________________________
De que depende?
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Will a musky try to eat me?
naaaa. you are more likely to get a strike dangling your toes in the water while sitting on a dock.
i've got these guys out swimming in small pods in the lake where i'm at.
every once in a while the gar will come up close enough to see for a few strokes and match pace before moving off. totally harmless save for the gulp of water or two when first encountering them.
Train hard...race well.
www.jimmishler.com
"Jim, I happen to agree with you" DougStern
naaaa. you are more likely to get a strike dangling your toes in the water while sitting on a dock.
i've got these guys out swimming in small pods in the lake where i'm at.
every once in a while the gar will come up close enough to see for a few strokes and match pace before moving off. totally harmless save for the gulp of water or two when first encountering them.
Train hard...race well.
www.jimmishler.com
"Jim, I happen to agree with you" DougStern
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Jim Mishler]
[ In reply to ]
agreed..be more worried about the fish called snakeheads...freaky violent things
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Kentiger]
[ In reply to ]
FYI the "You should be more worried about this OTHER horrible creature that's also lurking in the water with you" advice isn't quite as comforting as you may think.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Bigkens]
[ In reply to ]
"mostly" is the operative word..
Once I was fishing for pike from a float tube. The smaller ones were fine, a 28" one was a bit much to handle, then a 36" swam by and I decided to get out of the water..
Once I was fishing for pike from a float tube. The smaller ones were fine, a 28" one was a bit much to handle, then a 36" swam by and I decided to get out of the water..
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [doug in co]
[ In reply to ]
Not sure if one could chew your toe or finger right off but with teeth that look like this http://www.fotothing.com/...82ae5c698873f9dc.jpg I'd be inclined to think maybe I'd rather have one off than remain after a bite.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
They have been known to bite humans, but in murky water. A guy in our area was dangling his foot in the water while sitting on a dock. Required quite a few stitches.
I've seen them scuba diving and come within a few feet to one on a Lake Ontario wreck dive. Although they aren't aggressive to divers, I'd definately give them a wide berth and not provoke them.
I've seen them scuba diving and come within a few feet to one on a Lake Ontario wreck dive. Although they aren't aggressive to divers, I'd definately give them a wide berth and not provoke them.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
You must be my neighbor (or at least within 600 yards of my house).
I swim in Wingra 2-3 days per week all summer long. It is fine. There are about 50 people that swim in our group; I don't know anybody who has ever gotten sick
see you at Vilas Beach!
Andy
I swim in Wingra 2-3 days per week all summer long. It is fine. There are about 50 people that swim in our group; I don't know anybody who has ever gotten sick
see you at Vilas Beach!
Andy
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I would be more concerned with the fact that you're swimming in Wingra than anything else :p
That being said, if one can swim (or flop about like a loon in distress, in my case) safely up in the BWCA without getting eaten bby any fish larger than my thigh, I think you'll be okay in Wingra, where yoru biggest fear shoudl be the noseeums that will be working their way up through all your orafices.
mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com
That being said, if one can swim (or flop about like a loon in distress, in my case) safely up in the BWCA without getting eaten bby any fish larger than my thigh, I think you'll be okay in Wingra, where yoru biggest fear shoudl be the noseeums that will be working their way up through all your orafices.
mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I've fished for muskie for about 30 years. They aren't aggressive fish. actually damn hard to get them to bite anything except live bait. I've swam in lakes in Michigan filled with muskie for most of my life. Never heard of them bothering anyone. I wouldn't worry about it.
But if you do get bit post it here so I won't give this advice again ;)
But if you do get bit post it here so I won't give this advice again ;)
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
As others have said I wouldn't worry about them. I worry more about Northerns (Pike) than I would a muskie anyday. They are a bit more aggressive. In the off chance that you do get bit, get to hospital right away. My dad got bit a couple of years ago and lost a ton of blood. He does have a pretty good scar and a hell of a story from it though. Guess that is the bright side. Others to watch out for in Wisconsin lakes are Gar, dogfish, and northerns. I've seen snakes while swimming, but they haul ass to get out of the way everytime I've seen them.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [AndyPeterson]
[ In reply to ]
loving this thread. i just bought my first wetsuit, and im going to start swimming in wingra soon!
______________________________________
The beatings will continue until morale improves
______________________________________
The beatings will continue until morale improves
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I am absolutely mad for the show "River Monsters" with Jeremy Wade. That guy is cool. He is so theatrical, so cool, so dramatic about the fish. Who could sell a show about dangerous fresh water fish? It's all about the dude- pure panache. The accent, the ungroomed "French extreme athlete" beard like he just finished the Raid Gauloises. Super cool.
The fish, I don;t worry about.
The show: My favorite.
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/river-monsters/
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
The fish, I don;t worry about.
The show: My favorite.
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/river-monsters/
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Just dont wear anything shiny like a wedding ring or necklace. If you do get bit dont run to the hospital first buy a lottery ticket then go to hospital.
__________________________________________________
Official Polar Ambassador
http://www.google.com/...P7RiWyEVwpunlsc2JtQQ
__________________________________________________
Official Polar Ambassador
http://www.google.com/...P7RiWyEVwpunlsc2JtQQ
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [bmanners]
[ In reply to ]
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Fish are afraid of you.....you shouldn't be afraid of them. Especially since the food chain doesn't usually "go up"...ie: the musky and northerns are much smaller than you, a large seal-like creature that thrashes.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [MartinP]
[ In reply to ]
They look bigger underwater! LOL
TriDork
"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"
TriDork
"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I wouldn't worry about it too much. You've heard about the Okanagan Lake Monster Ogopogo Haven't you? Ogo feasts on the slow swimmers at IMC every year.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Nah, you could end up with a meal though.
http://www.youtube.com/...&feature=related
Looks like the Palin clan has taken up fishing.
http://www.youtube.com/...&feature=related
Looks like the Palin clan has taken up fishing.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [moulli]
[ In reply to ]
gotta love a good noodling video...
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [moulli]
[ In reply to ]
I love the fact that hillbilly #2 is wearing a Live Strong bracelet.
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
-----
Over 4.5 years bike crash free.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
I have been bitten twice by muskies. A little scarring, some blood and a good loud curse.
Since then I wear leather gloves and use longer needlenose pliers to take out the hooks.
Leeches, on the other hand...
---
"Maybe you should just run faster..." TM
Since then I wear leather gloves and use longer needlenose pliers to take out the hooks.
Leeches, on the other hand...
---
"Maybe you should just run faster..." TM
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [JM]
[ In reply to ]
whoa whoa whoa.... leeches in Lake Wingra?
I was wondering about that while swimming there today, but i thought they needed a warmer water environment...
I was wondering about that while swimming there today, but i thought they needed a warmer water environment...
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [christian1]
[ In reply to ]
Quote:
My concern would be for the algae eating snakes the DNR has put into the Madison Lake system.Where did you hear about that, and where can i get information on that?
I swim in lake wingra and was just curious about all the little boogers in there...
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [stb13]
[ In reply to ]
You may want to do a search on our very own ST. It came up last year right around IMWI time ;)
chris
"You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will know."
~John Collins, Ironman founder
Member HED Mafia
chris
"You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will know."
~John Collins, Ironman founder
Member HED Mafia
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [musky48in]
[ In reply to ]
Hmm...I don't think I'm impressed with noodling. All they have to do is stick their hand in a fish's nest, and the male fish will automatically bite them to protect the eggs. And apparently "serious noodlers" will put boxes in the water for the fish to make a home in, so they know where to find them later. Seems like noodling fish in a barrel to me.
I would be impressed if they had to go down like 10 feet to catch the fish, because then they'd have to make it all the way back to the surface with that thing fighting them. Otherwise, I see no challenge there.
I would be impressed if they had to go down like 10 feet to catch the fish, because then they'd have to make it all the way back to the surface with that thing fighting them. Otherwise, I see no challenge there.
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [doug in co]
[ In reply to ]
My family has a plac on the French River in Ontario, about 5 hours north of Toronto. There are Muskies around there, sometimes you see them hanging out just below the surface of the water. One year when I as there a guy hit one in his boat and it bent the prop. We heard it from the deck of our cabin and it sounded like he had hit a submerged roc or a deadhead. Dad and I went out to help and the fish was still floating on the surface of the water with a huge gash in its back. It was the largest freshwater fish I have ever seen,and looked mean as hell. I reached in to try and grab it, and it swam away.
Tough SOBs as well.
-All You Haters Suck My Balls-
Tough SOBs as well.
-All You Haters Suck My Balls-
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [Robert Preston]
[ In reply to ]
Come down here to South Georgia and go for an open water swim. We have these:
If there aren't any gators in the water, you're just not in Florida!
Not to worry though.....you don't have to out-swim the gator. You just have to out-swim the guy next to you! ;-)
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [stb13]
[ In reply to ]
I wouldn't call Wingra all that cold, really. It's not deep enough to be cold. I'm sure there's plenty o' leeches hanging out, drinkin' in the PCBs and eatin' up the tapir crap that is floating around in there :D
mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com
mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [mmrocker13]
[ In reply to ]
How come nobody has asked how to draft off of a musky? Beside, or in the fins?
Re: Will a musky try to eat me? [skavoovie]
[ In reply to ]
Here in Texas, the locals tell me "watch out for the Lake Sharks!"
you be fine. if anything it would tear up your wet suit
"if it was easy everyone would do it"
e-rudy.com
"if it was easy everyone would do it"
e-rudy.com