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)
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Angler: Cal Johnson
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 67 pounds 8 ounces
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World-Record Line Class: All Tackle
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Catch Date: July 24, 1949
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Location: Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin
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Fishing Method: Unknown
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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)
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Angler: Kenneth O’Brien
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 65 pounds
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World-Record Line Class: 12-lb.
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Catch Date: October 16, 1988
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Location: Blackstone Harbour, Ontario
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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Lure or Bait Used: 4-inch Rapala
3. Joe Seeberger ““ 58 Pounds
Joe Seeberger’s muskie is bound for the wall. (Photo: IGFA)
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Angler: Joe Seeberger
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 58 pounds
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World-Record Line Class: 8-lb.
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Catch Date: October 13, 2012
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Location: Lake Bellaire, Michigan
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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Lure or Bait Used: Sucker minnow
4. Gene Borucki ““ 56 Pounds 7 Ounces
Gene Borucki proudly hoists his 56-pound monster. (Photo: IGFA)
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Angler: Gene Borucki
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 56 pounds 7 ounces
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World-Record Line Class: 30-lb.
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Catch Date: August 30, 1984
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Location: Manitou Lake, Ontario
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: Gary Ishii
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 55 pounds
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World-Record Line Class: 50-lb.
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Catch Date: October 11, 1981
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Location: Moon River, Ontario
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: George McQuillen
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 52 pounds 4 ounces
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World-Record Line Class: 20-lb.
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Catch Date: November 12, 1994
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Location: St. Lawrence River
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: William Pivar
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 45 pounds
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World-Record Line Class: 16-lb.
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Catch Date: July 26, 1980
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Location: 1000 Island Lake, California
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: Ken Hunt
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 44 pounds 11 ounces
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World-Record Line Class: 6-lb.
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Catch Date: July 4, 2002
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Location: Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: Lalie Tronel-Peyroz
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 41 pounds 1 ounce
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World-Record Line Class: Junior (Female)
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Catch Date: November 21, 2011
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Location: St. Lawrence River
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Fishing Method: Trolling
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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)
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Angler: Luke Meverden
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Monster-Muskie Specs: 40 pounds
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World-Record Line Class: Junior (Male)
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Catch Date: August 9, 1999
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Location: Leech Lake, Minnesota
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Fishing Method: Casting
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Lure or Bait Used: Northland Jig
THE 1871 CLUB
