25 seconds and a 50 pound muskie from Mille Lacs Lake

(For licensing or usage, contact [e-mail])
Erik Jacobson catches a giant 55" muskie on Mille Lacs solo in the fall after trolling for only 25 seconds!

[@anthonyfesta1224]

I love that quote. “Could be a state record, it doesn’t matter I’m going to let it go.”

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Anthony!

[@mikepetras9036]

@@Erikjacobson01 spoken like a true Muskie Man! awesome fish Erik! even better release!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Mike, appreciate it!

[@jefferycervantes3008]

Even if it was a record or not taking pictures, measurments, and weights can still be done and letting it go after.

[@CAVERUNLAKE]

Need more fishermen like this

[@FRGGuideservice]

A real fisherman sees this video and fuckin cries tears of happiness that this fish fell into the right hands

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

👍👍

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@FRGGuideservice]

@@Erikjacobson01 thanks for demonstrating good handling!!

[@drewshepard8002]

Nice job handling that fish. I’m glad to see people doing it right👍. The Muskie of my dreams right there!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you sir! Hopefully she’s around for a few more years 🤞

[@BlackRail33]

I agree and great all around way to be. I'll tell you, I was nervous here at home. That was a thrill!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Arthur!

[@veroman007]

Massive respect to the way you handled that fish and let it go. You deserved it

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks David, really appreciate it!

[@Tomatohater64]

Totally agree. At that size: 55 inches and at least 50 pounds, you know that monster's days are numbered; good to see you released it.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Stephen, totally agree I hope she’s around for a couple more years. Appreciate it!

[@trs4437]

A 25 yr old Muskie, maybe? Awesome to behold. An epic catch and sportsmanlike release.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Very well could be, although I know the fish grow a little faster here then say in Canada. Thanks!

[@danielphillips8933]

"That's my blood not the fishes" -Only muskie guys... Well done!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa! So true, thanks!

[@jwsolutions99]

😆

[@blaze_knight_457]

Lol

[@jackrobinson1073]

And pike

[@brianrobertson4948]

@@jackrobinson1073 I thought a muskie was a pike

[@mark1qaz1qaz]

Amazing and thats so kind how you handled that fish and released so fast. A lot of people wouldn't have a clue what to do with that lol. Incredible

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Mark, yup, definitely a precious resource!

[@mjj789]

probably have to keep it cause its gunna die from a long fight anyways? or nah.

[@Erikjacobson01]

It swam away strong so I feel pretty good about it surviving 🎣

[@NytronX]

This is what peak male performance looks like. None of the "state records" that involved killing the fish count as being a state record class fish imo. Only catch & release is eligible in my mind. Killing a state record fish solely to certify it as the record shouldn't be a thing.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Amen Nytron!

[@somerandominternetuser5730]

I release everything I catch, it's the only way I know

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Agreed. Love iT

[@REPHETIC]

Great solo catch and release... MONSTER!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks man!

[@TylerPotato134]

That’s literally the fish of my dreams since I was a kid, and your sportsman ship for the fish is amazing. Massive respect and congrats!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks Tyler! Good luck with your search this season! 🎣

[@yourlocalninja19]

Dude! You're a legend for this entire experience, from start to end. Good job bro and congratulations on a fish of a lifetime

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks man, appreciate it!

[@joevette6290]

You are a true muskie " patriot" proffesional and respectfull to these awesome fish! Not enough great anglers like you bud!!!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks Joe!!

[@koralmn3837]

Fished that spot many a time and seen some pigs but that sir is an absolute monster! Glad to see there are other folks who do catch and release on Muskie, especially one that size. Congrats sir!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks KP! appreciate the kind words!

[@shanesmith5988]

AWESOME FISH & AWESOME JOB my man!!!! Hats off to you for taking good care of her!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks so much Shane!

[@shanesmith5988]

@@Erikjacobson01 No problem brother! Just giving credit where credit is do!! Again..awesome job my man!!

[@cfapps7865]

I have fished Mille Lacs many times. Been in Vegas a while. I miss fishing. That is about it about MN. That was cool.

[@V1KTOR33]

Your awesome.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks!

[@blaze_knight_457]

I live in Minnesota luckily

[@cfapps7865]

@@blaze_knight_457 So glad I moved.

[@mongolloyd5236]

My dad didn't live long enough to catch a muskie like he wanted to, I've decided I need to do it for him. I've never fished for muskie but man does it look like a blast.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey that’s cool of you, good luck with your search!

[@FondelMikeRotch]

Seen a fish that big or bit bigger on Lake of the Woods but never hooked it. Missed my topwater, sounded like a alligator going after my lure. Great care and release of the fish ! Border opening up here, go North in the fall for monsters bud. Lake of the Woods is prime for fall muskies and is close to border. Try around Sioux Narrows.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you! Yes, been there many times in the fall, mostly around morson and sabaskong. Heading there Labor Day finally! Are you talking whitefish bay?

[@FondelMikeRotch]

@@Erikjacobson01 Yes around that area. Waiting time at Fort Frances Border………..7 to 9 !!!! hours yesterday. All borders the same at Canadian entrance lol.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Well, sounds like you’re in, have a blast! I have a buddy who just crossed at Baudette yesterday on his way to Lake of the woods too 🎣

[@Schubox62]

Great fish, great film, great handling! So nice to see the respect! I'm just gonna go ahead and assume the Vikings lost. #gopackgo

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks for the kind words Steve! Yes, you are correct it was a very disappointing game 😂

[@aocbarbarian3692]

That fish was saying" how many times are you going to catch me dude for veiws? I'm tired"

[@Erikjacobson01]

Probably!

[@jagged6373]

A true sportsman potentially has a state record on his hands and decides to get it back in the water. Can’t say for sure I would have done the same. Hats off.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thank you!

[@ubbewithabfc]

That was an awesome catch! Thank you for releasing her! Especially on Mille Lacs!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks! Yup, gotta do it!!

[@stephendawg1]

Congrats! What a great feeling! My PB was a solo trip on Vermilion at night. Had the camera already set up in the back of the boat so mine is on video too. It’s good to rehearse that part of the trip too. 🙂 Great job on the release!

[@Erikjacobson01]

That’s awesome, especially at night! Love that lake too! Thanks!

[@jeffwyrwa2823]

Dont bash this guy and claim he "killed" that fish. He did everything we as musky fisherman are taught to do. Leave the fish in the net in the water til you're ready to measure and picture it. Then have the fish out of water for a minimal time, then put the fish back in the water right side up and gently hold until the fish swims away on it's own. That's a fish of a lifetime for anyone. I have e been musky fishing for 26 years and my biggest is 45" and about 21 lbs. That fish appeared to be at least 45 pounds. I could tell by how hard of a time he had lifting it into the boat. Congratulations sir!!

[@brianloeffler2245]

45" 26 years BAHAHHAAHAHA

[@scottb4540]

Another miserable person^

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Jeff, you're spot on with the advice!

[@breakingchris6889]

What an absolute beast of a fish caught by a competent and very experienced angler! Congrats!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks a lot man!

[@hodagtrapper4167]

You did a great job being all by yourself with a fish of a lifetime!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you sir!

[@adamtidemanson130]

I had one about the same size follow on that spot in the summer last year. It still haunts my dreams. Nice work!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks, definitely off the beaten path! Hope you find her again!

[@straubdavid9]

I've caught bigger .... but then I woke up from a deep sleep🤣😂 Congrats on that monster fish .... I remember reading about the monsters that came out of that lake, and of course you now know about the giant muskie caught June 11 2022 on Mille Lacs Lake, 58.25inch (est.65lb) Get out there and beat that .... best of luck!🦈👍🏻✌🏻

[@Erikjacobson01]

Those are the fish we dream about, that might have been the biggest fish in the lake at the time? Definitely bigger now!

[@EastndFTball]

What a legit sportsman. Congrats on the awesome catch

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks man!

[@andydolan176]

That was absolutely insane! You know the fish put up a good fight when the fisherman comes out of it with a bloody nose. Great job my friend!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Andy, that’s fabulous!

[@SteveZ-yd6em]

One of the most professional catch and release I’ve ever seen! Great work by yourself my brother!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thank you sir, appreciate it!

[@oledahammer8393]

I troll alone a lot too. It's not a trivial thing to fight and land a big fish, by yourself, in a stiff breeze, in freezing temps! Amazing fish! I leave the clicker on, well, just because I love to hear that sound of it ripping! LOL

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks man, I hear that clicker in my dreams! Lol!

[@johnfoster2592]

This is one of the best fishing videos I have ever seen. Thanks a million!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Wow, thanks! I’m honored, my pleasure 🎣

[@michaelkoebnick4226]

Nice job, Erik! The feeling of a strike is enough to make an angler's blood boil with excitement! Almost even more so than a follow is. You did a great job!

[@Erikjacobson01]

The tug is the drug! Thanks so much Michael!!

[@blayze2019]

Nice catch bud and good sportsmanship for letting her back in the waters Someone else caught a state record and told the dnr that *they tried reviving the musky but they realized she wasn't going to make it* which I think is total bs

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks man! I know they don't all survive the catch...

[@brodyumland9937]

Needed that pick me up after listening to a Vikings game 😂

[@Erikjacobson01]

Truth!

[@MRBJT51]

You're a first rate angler! Great solo film job, great subtitle explanations as to what was happening (without any annoying music) and most importantly great care and respect taken for the mighty fish.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks so much!

[@kbro29]

It’s the second time that this video show up in my recommandation and I’m glad I had the chance to watch it again. Keep up the good work men

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa, I love it! Thanks!

[@johnmurphy3874]

Fish of a Lifetime. WOW

[@christopherbolton4199]

Yea man, I'm thinking so. I thimk it's incredibly generous to show the public an experience of his in his life, on his journey

[@christopherbolton4199]

What a fish!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks guys!

[@billwell9266]

You lost me at Vikings! Just kidding - awesome fish and even more impressive doing it solo, and in those conditions!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa! no kidding :

[@guitarplayer7349]

You have the story, the pictures, the memory, and a healthy release of one beautiful fish. What's better than that. Big congratulations and respect for you.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks man, amen!

[@benjaminquoss2318]

What a catch, Erik! Congrats on the catch, & release!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@brianbennett8445]

You are to be admired for your sportsman's ship! We should all strive to be this humble and responsible. Your a good man.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Brian, really appreciate it!

[@antoniomora1255]

What a monster man! An unforgettable catch indeed!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Antonio, no doubt!

[@Jack-uk4uo]

Well done. Tons of respect for the timeliness and release.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Jack!

[@someguydino6770]

perseverance and good sportsmanship combined to deliver a very satisfying experience for all to share; thank you!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey appreciate it!

[@charlesshaffer5782]

Truly incredible catch I admire you and wish I could catch a fish like that myself I've been fishing for 57 years and I've never caught anything close to that big congratulations man you're blessed 👍🐟🔥🔥

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Charles, keep at it!

[@kennithsearfoss8976]

Awesome! So glad that people like you still exist, nails a record and still chooses to let her live... I can't stand when people put them up on a wall... Can't they just take pic or video like this and have as a memento.... Congrats on that catch!! #keepreeling

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks for the kind words Kennith, agreed!

[@johnritter5951]

Brought back wonderful memories ... 1975 ... up on the French River in Ontario ... Casa Blanca Lodge near the Dokese Indian reservation marina ... alone in the boat in the dark ... chilly September weather ... my first muskie ... loons calling ... 25 lbs. ... sheer unadulterated magic.

[@Erikjacobson01]

That’s a great story! I went there in 1991 to Art Barefoot’s camp after he caught that giant. Pretty cool place but a long ways away! 🎣

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

What a beast!!! That picture with your hand in the gills is incredible!!!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Brian! Definitely had a giant gill cover and made my hand look small!

[@BellanGracie]

Much respect for letting her go!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks!

[@crackin_set_of_norks6774]

Awesome job there my friend! I admire the amount of respect and care you put into that! Lovely!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Luke!

[@05xlt]

Catch of a lifetime and releases it, kudos to you sir, may you be rewarded with many more!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa! Thanks Ryan, you too!

[@pumpinaintez7627]

Eric, you are a musky legend! That was was the most professional catch and release of any musky chaser I’ve seen making videos! PS, I’ve done good with the Mattlock tip and got my 50 after buying your dvd, jointed flatstick in pink. Cheers

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks man, congratulations on that big fish and appreciate the kind words. Good luck this fall!

[@allenuconn]

What an amazing fish!!!!! Class act to take such good care of the fish. You are a role model for all fishermen!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you sir!

[@swimbait1]

What a fish! Great job handling her. Thank you for sharing.

[@Erikjacobson01]

You bet, thanks for the kind words!

[@fishnlift5858]

Low key hammer clip. This is amazing footage.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you, so glad the camera was actually recording!!

[@MikeB-ob3tp]

“You’re the Guy!!!” - 7 years ago I saw that video you posted where you helped a young 8yr old kid catch the fish of his dreams, an unbelievable 57 incher!!!! Brother, that, by far is the best posted Musky video I have ever seen. What you did for that kid changed his life, and years later I see that good karma has followed you around! Much respect brother, keep on paying it forward.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Yes sir, that was an amazing day with him! Love this sport, thanks!

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

Big fish Erik. You had your hands full with it being solo in that wind. Great job.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks, sure did!

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

@@Erikjacobson01 We know each other slightly from Twin Cities M.I.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Good to know! Good luck this season! 🎣

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

@@Erikjacobson01 You too. Get another giant from the pond.

[@johnwright4115]

I like the way you are kind to the fish and handle it with care. nice job

[@Erikjacobson01]

Gotta do it, thanks!

[@ReelFrontier]

What a phenomenal catch! Many say the next world record Musky will come out from Mille Lacs. When I see a monster Musky like yours being pulled out every year, I do not doubt that statement at all.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you! Yes, I would love to see that too! 🎣

[@Tackle2thePeople]

Wow! Handled that fish like a pro. Quick shots for the camera and not out of the water for that long. Awesome work my man, and epic fish!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks so much!

[@jonhall2035]

That’s real sportsmanship man, even though the water was what most would say is plenty cold enough you didn’t want to stress her out and risk it. If only 50% of the fisherman out there was like that it would make a world of difference. By far though it seems I see it more in Muskie fishing than other fishing. Hell of a catch man. No need to put it on your wall when you can post it to KZbin, huh? Good fishing man

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks for the kind words Jon, truth!

[@paullevine1813]

Love fishing in Minnesota & this a perfect example why. Great luck & what a payoff for braving the wet & cold of Lake Mille Lacs . That's a beast & one I'm sure you'll remember the rest of your days.

[@Erikjacobson01]

I sure will, thanks Paul!

[@tiffsaver]

This is the biggest, FATTEST muskie I have ever seen!!! You made the PERFECT presentation, PERFECTLY played her, and had the total class to release her to fight another day. You're a true sportsman and the very best this sport has to offer, sir. Thanks for sharing this special moment:)

[@Erikjacobson01]

You and me both! You're welcome and thanks for the kind words!

[@ryanhughes8620]

Great catch man!!! The release is even more epic! Well done!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you Ryan, appreciate it!

[@FishingBiodiversity]

What a BEAST!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you!

[@blaze_knight_457]

@@Erikjacobson01 you should really get a replica

[@Erikjacobson01]

It’s very tempting but I already have a 55 x 27 1/2 replica that I got quite a few years ago. 🎣

[@kbro29]

This is why I love catch and release cause other people have the chance to catch those beautiful fish

[@Erikjacobson01]

Amen!

[@jimmykenealy766]

What a great fish, start posting more. You are the epitimy of what musky fishing is all about!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks Jimmy, really appreciate that!

[@kennyb2497]

A true sportsman right there. Love to see the amount of respect you had for your quarry

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Kenny appreciate it!

[@OhK746]

Sir, you caught the Queen. Thank you for let her go to make more babies! Harvesting has a time and place, but I don’t like to do it with really big fish either.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Amen Kristin, thanks!

[@oledahammer8393]

Good recommendations. Couple other things from a 25 year Musky troller....don't kick the boat in neutral until you have picked up the rod and put pressure on the fish. Also, for trolling alone this REALLY helps, zip tie and duct tape a length of bungee cord to the end of your net handle and then a zip-tied loop with a D-ring on the other end (make the bungee just long enough so the d-ring hooks on the opposite gunnel (to a cleat or rod holder) and the bag hangs over the other side with 'some' tightness to the bungee but still leaves the bag hang free over the side of boat. This will make the net totally hands-free to work on getting hooks out of the fish and taking pics, etc. and so no worries about the net dumping over, losing the fish etc. Also, it keeps you from having the bring the fish into the boat in the net which can cause lots of stress to the fish and possible physical damage to the fish.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey those are great recommendations, thanks!

[@XxPANCOTTOxX]

Always nice to see guys doing it right and respecting the fish to the upmost potential, trophy catch of a lifetime right there.... congrats!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you sir!

[@ibr916]

Erik Jacobson you are living the dream. Nice catch but even nicer boat.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you, sure do love that rig!

[@Cellzwrld]

You sir, can have my subscription. I as a Midwesterner am so proud 🥲

[@Erikjacobson01]

Midwestern proud, yes sir, thanks!

[@FYMM69]

Not many of us left where ethics reign over ego. Lifetime fish, great job Thank you

[@Erikjacobson01]

You bet, thanks!

[@randolphduke]

That was the "Catfish Hunter" of muskies. Great fish!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa! Thanks Randolf

[@robertanderson290]

Erik, that's a great fish! Congrats to you. Your video is well made and interesting to watch. Great job all around!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Robert, really appreciate that! 🎣

[@lookanabeauti9386]

Ohhh yaaaaa....great job!! Fish of a lifetime. Congrats.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks so much!

[@ManiacRider3113]

Great catch. Awesome release.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks!

[@drewsmith8537]

Congratulations on the fish of a lifetime and hats off to you for respecting the fish so much. It takes so much time for a fish to reach that maturity

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Drew, isn't that the truth!

[@tomandersson5089]

Holy crap.. that was one big lady! well done congratz!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you!

[@MMK86]

wow look at that thing, wild...appreciate the seeing catch and release, people need to put their egos aside when catching trophies like that

[@Erikjacobson01]

Agree, like Jack Burns used to say "Let'um go, let'um grow"

[@TheFn414]

Ledgend for the quick catch and Reales of that beauty SOLOOOOO also. Ledgend

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Kellz!

[@muskellunge4932]

Fish of a lifetime !! When you put in the work and it pay's off like this, you know your doing something right. Great video and thx for sharing.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Yes! Definitely a labor of love!

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Respect - a lot of folk would have messed around to get trophy shots and a weight, but you got her back safe very quickly. Awesome fish!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Maurice!

[@frozenflamez8783]

The Minnesota state record Muskie was caught on the same lake and weighed 55 lbs 14 oz he could have had a record

[@Erikjacobson01]

Never know, but the recent record was a monster!

[@Muskygenix]

What a fish! Good stuff man!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks!

[@dalebechtel8904]

Awesome job releasing that giant. Your a pro.

[@Erikjacobson01]

You're too kind!

[@TheVivian2727]

Wicked Catch! I follow fishing on KZbin a lot over the non fishing months. Winter. This got me pumped for 2024 with a new boat. Cheers.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks! and congrats on the new boat, fired up!

[@jackylord7989]

Amazing ethic. well done wow

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Jacky!

[@renwhite1809]

All mounts of fish are replicas anyways get the documents measurements etc let it go or eat it

[@paake3134]

Fuck you mean eat it? Fish that size and rare as hell? You're idiot.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Well, skin mounts do use the actual skin and carcass. But definitely prefer a replica!

[@mikescholten1631]

Wow! And to release it as well. Kudos sir!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks Mike!

[@flashy5150]

I never caught a Muskie but that would be my dream fish right there. What a beauty.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@jackbauer408]

Man catches a Muskie in 25 seconds…. I’ve been fishing for one for 12 years with 2 bites 🙃

[@evandraper623]

Come to the french river there all over the place here

[@steveescher1554]

@@evandraper623 Far and expensive haha

[@Erikjacobson01]

They can be brutal!!

[@tonyschillaci8830]

Amazing fish!!! Great job!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thanks so much!

[@jimmy2thymes916]

What a MONSTER! Great catch and release bud!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Hey thanks man!

[@bobtate6812]

That's real fisherman. These things belong where they swim not some stinking basement wall. Good job Erik.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Well said, thank you sir!

[@mudlakeoutdoors1344]

Just taking the donkey for a walk. Nice catch bud, good job on the net!

[@Erikjacobson01]

Ha haa! Thank man!

[@normhiscock352]

I get yelled at by my friends all the time for throwing huge fish back.

[@Erikjacobson01]

Thatta boy! 😊

[@thomasfoss9963]

I kiss them first, and then let em go!!!

[@johnnyd.488]

Love to hear you do that ! My pals get a upset too. But that’s to freaking bad ! Catch and release those trophy’s

[@brazeification2]

@@johnnyd.488 I do the same unless it’s fish I’m targeting for dinner lol walleye perch and bullheads

[@firebrand07]

Lifetime catch for the most of us. Good job!!

[@Erikjacobson01]

No doubt, thank you!!

[@Smugginz]

I love fishing and i like to be not a complete jerk with the fish. The respect and tlc you gave that fish really inspires me to care and know more about the fish i catch. Thank you

[@Erikjacobson01]

I hear you and thanks David! Every fish carefully released is one more for the future!