Cal Johnson's 67-pound 8-ounce muskie from Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin, caught in 1949, remains the all-tackle world record after nearly 70 years. Kenneth O'Brien came closest with a 65-pound muskie from Ontario in 1988, while most record-class muskies were caught trolling in fall months.
- Trolling has produced most of the largest recorded muskies, with successful anglers using everything from Rapalas to sucker minnows.
- Fall months, particularly October, appear most productive for trophy muskies based on these record catches.
- Record muskies have been caught on line classes ranging from 6-pound to 50-pound test, proving big fish can be landed on lighter tackle.
Few gamefish inspire quite as much awe as the muskellunge—the toothy, elusive trophy hailed as the fish of 10,000 casts. Several muskies have made a run at the world record, but none have yet managed to topple the nearly 70-year-old reign of Cal Johnson’s 67-pound 8-ounce freak. That said, each of these muskies is truly gargantuan and has secured a place in the International Game Fish Association’s record book.
1. Cal Johnson ““ 67 Pounds 8 Ounces
Cal Johnson’s muskie might never be bested. The skin mount of the fish is still displayed Moccasin Bar in Hayward, Wisconsin. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Cal Johnson
Monster-Muskie Specs: 67 pounds 8 ounces
World-Record Line Class: All Tackle
Catch Date: July 24, 1949
Location: Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin
Fishing Method: Unknown
Lure or Bait Used: Pike Oreno
2. Kenneth O’Brien ““ 65 Pounds
Thirty-two years ago, Kenneth O’Brien came with two pounds of tying Johnson’s record. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Kenneth O’Brien
Monster-Muskie Specs: 65 pounds
World-Record Line Class: 12-lb.
Catch Date: October 16, 1988
Location: Blackstone Harbour, Ontario
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: 4-inch Rapala
3. Joe Seeberger ““ 58 Pounds
Joe Seeberger’s muskie is bound for the wall. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Joe Seeberger
Monster-Muskie Specs: 58 pounds
World-Record Line Class: 8-lb.
Catch Date: October 13, 2012
Location: Lake Bellaire, Michigan
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Sucker minnow
4. Gene Borucki ““ 56 Pounds 7 Ounces
Gene Borucki proudly hoists his 56-pound monster. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Gene Borucki
Monster-Muskie Specs: 56 pounds 7 ounces
World-Record Line Class: 30-lb.
Catch Date: August 30, 1984
Location: Manitou Lake, Ontario
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Rapala
5. Gary Ishii ““ 55 Pounds
The length of Gary Ishii’s muskie almost matched the angler’s height. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Gary Ishii
Monster-Muskie Specs: 55 pounds
World-Record Line Class: 50-lb.
Catch Date: October 11, 1981
Location: Moon River, Ontario
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Jointed Swim Whizz
6. George McQuillen ““ 52 Pounds 4 Ounces
George McQuillen caught this 52-pounder on 20-pound line. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: George McQuillen
Monster-Muskie Specs: 52 pounds 4 ounces
World-Record Line Class: 20-lb.
Catch Date: November 12, 1994
Location: St. Lawrence River
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Kwik Fish
7. William Pivar ““ 45 Pounds
William Pivar’s muskie should’ve scored bonus pounds for the great vanity plate. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: William Pivar
Monster-Muskie Specs: 45 pounds
World-Record Line Class: 16-lb.
Catch Date: July 26, 1980
Location: 1000 Island Lake, California
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Believer
8. Ken Hunt ““ 44 Pounds 11 Ounces
Ken Hunt caught his record muskie on the 4th of July”¦with a nightcrawler. What could be more American? (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Ken Hunt
Monster-Muskie Specs: 44 pounds 11 ounces
World-Record Line Class: 6-lb.
Catch Date: July 4, 2002
Location: Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Nightcrawler
9. Lalie Tronel-Peyroz ““ 41 Pounds 1 Ounce
Lalie Tronel-Peyroz crushed the previous female-junior record of 28 pounds 8 ounces with her 41-pounder. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Lalie Tronel-Peyroz
Monster-Muskie Specs: 41 pounds 1 ounce
World-Record Line Class: Junior (Female)
Catch Date: November 21, 2011
Location: St. Lawrence River
Fishing Method: Trolling
Lure or Bait Used: Depth Raider
10. Luke Meverden ““ 40 Pounds
Luke Meverden caught his record muskie when he was 12 years old. (Photo: IGFA)
Angler: Luke Meverden
Monster-Muskie Specs: 40 pounds
World-Record Line Class: Junior (Male)
Catch Date: August 9, 1999
Location: Leech Lake, Minnesota
Fishing Method: Casting
Lure or Bait Used: Northland Jig
THE 1871 CLUB
