Musky Fishing Charter Out Of Clayton, NY
Ed Beers, an avid angler from New Jersey, had been looking forward to his first musky fishing charter with Captain Bob Walters aboard The Waterwolf out of Clayton, New York. Although Ed had fished with Captain Bob many times before, it had always been for salmon on Lake Ontario. This time, however, he was stepping into the world of musky fishing—a pursuit Captain Bob often described as “the fish of 10,000 casts.” With that in mind, Ed’s anticipation was a mix of excitement and realistic expectations. Captain Bob had prepared him for the challenge, reminding him that musky fishing required patience and persistence.
But, in the two weeks leading up to the November outing, Ed’s excitement began to grow. He started receiving text messages from The Waterwolf’s mate, each one accompanied by photos of the muskies caught by other guests. The more he saw, the more he realized he was in for something truly special.
Chilly Fall Months In The Thousand Islands, NY
The adventure kicked off on a crisp November morning with a breakfast meet-up at the Koffee Kove, a popular local diner in Clayton, NY, known for its cozy atmosphere, musky-themed décor, and picturesque views of the Thousand Islands. As they sat down to eat, the conversation turned to the day’s plans, with Captain Bob sharing his usual calm yet focused demeanor. “There’s a mean-looking cold front approaching by noon,” he warned. “If it gets too nasty out there, we might need to cut our day short.” In the world of musky fishing, there’s no rush to get started—charter trips often last all day, sometimes stretching past sunset, to give anglers every opportunity to hook that elusive fish.
But as they finished their breakfast, Ed and his friends could feel the crisp bite of the autumn air, knowing the day would be a memorable one. Captain Bob, typically not one to rush, was already preparing the crew for the possibility of a challenging day on the water.
Finding Muskies in the St. Lawrence River
The boat set off with a moderate run to one of Captain Bob’s favorite musky haunts. The gear was readied, lines were set, and as they cruised toward the fishing grounds, Ed stayed at the back of the boat, adjusting his warm hat as he awaited the day’s first strike. His friends, bundled up and comfortable, retreated to the heated cabin, while Captain Bob spoke on the radio with another fisherman working a different spot a few miles away.
The St. Lawrence River, with its deep waters and varied structure, is a prime destination for musky fishing. Yet, finding muskies isn’t always a simple task. Patience and precision are key. And Ed, well aware of the challenges ahead, was eager to see if the fabled fish would appear on this cool, fall morning.
Musky Fishing Report
“That was Matt, from Philadelphia,” Captain Bob said, recalling a regular guest. “He books the boat for four days in a row, fishes with me to stay on top of the latest musky techniques, and then heads out on his own boat for the rest of the season, applying what he’s learned. It’s a great way for him to stay sharp and improve his chances of success.” Matt, a seasoned angler with a deep understanding of musky fishing, was more than just a customer—he was a constant source of insight for Captain Bob. Over the years, he’d become a trusted partner in the quest for trophy muskies. Matt’s commitment didn’t stop with the basics—he was keen on discovering new fishing spots in the river and testing out the latest gear. As part of Captain Bob’s Pro Staff with Drifter Tackle, Matt was also privy to exclusive, custom colors of the Believer Lures, a game-changing tool in the hunt for these elusive giants. It was these very lures, combined with years of experience, that helped Matt refine his strategies, making him one of the few who truly understood the intricacies of musky fishing on the St. Lawrence River.
Taking Refuge Behind Wolfe Island
the Thousand Islands. There was no shortage of things to admire: migrating waterfowl soaring overhead, the distant windmills silently spinning in the wind, and the vivid images flashing on the underwater camera as they trolled their lures through the river’s waters. The St. Lawrence River, with its rugged islands and diverse wildlife, was nothing short of breathtaking, and for Ed, this was the setting for what he hoped would be a once-in-a-lifetime catch. The calm waters, the crisp autumn air, and the steady hum of the boat were the perfect backdrop for his musky fishing adventure.
However, nature had other plans. As predicted, the weather began to change. The cold front that had been looming on the horizon arrived earlier than expected. The wind shifted from the northeast to the west, growing in strength from a light breeze to a fierce gust that hit 20 to 30 mph. Captain Bob, always attuned to the whims of the river, had anticipated this and quickly adjusted his strategy. “I’m going to troll across the river and tuck into the lee side of Wolfe Island,” he informed the crew. “It’ll shelter us from the worst of the wind, and we’ll work our way back toward port to stay ahead of the storm.” His decision was a wise one; the St. Lawrence River could be unforgiving, and Captain Bob’s years of experience in these waters meant he knew how to adapt when the weather turned against them. The crew braced themselves for the rough waters ahead, but for now, the focus was on the hunt.
Hooking A Monster Musky
It was then that the magic happened—the moment Ed had been waiting for. “I heard a snap,” Ed recalls with excitement. “I looked over at the Otter Board planer and saw the rod bent over like I’d never seen before. I started screaming without thinking, because I knew—I knew right away I had a big fish on.” The feeling of a musky strike is unlike anything else in the world of fishing, and Ed’s instinct was spot on: this was no ordinary catch. The rod trembled and bowed under the immense pressure of the fish on the other end of the line, and Ed’s adrenaline surged. He struggled to free the rod from the holder as the line went taut, pulling against him with the raw power of the fish. It wasn’t just a tug; it was a force, a primal struggle between man and nature.
The sound of the reel screaming as the line tightened was the only noise that filled the air. Ed’s heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to keep his composure. This was a battle that could take hours—or it could end in seconds if the fish managed to escape. There was no telling what awaited at the other end of the line, but Ed knew this was a moment he would never forget. The pursuit of muskies in the St. Lawrence River is often referred to as a “fish of 10,000 casts,” and despite Captain Bob’s constant advice to “put in your time,” Ed had never imagined that his first experience would lead to something like this.
In those few seconds, the St. Lawrence River transformed into a vast arena, with Ed as its willing contender, ready to face whatever challenge this mysterious musky had in store. This was the moment every musky angler dreams of—the moment the hunt becomes a battle.
Best Line For Musky Fishing
When it comes to battling muskies, the right equipment is essential—especially when those hard-fighting freshwater giants strike. Captain Bob’s Shimano trolling reels are always spooled with 65 lb. test TUFF-LINE, paired with a 7-strand 60 lb. wire leader, the perfect setup for tackling these massive fish. Muskies are known for their strength and endurance, and without the heavy-duty tackle, there’s a real risk that these powerful fish would snap the line with their first explosive run. The stakes were high, and the rig was ready for what was about to unfold.
Landing the Trophy
Ten minutes into the fight, the fish seemed to have the upper hand. The winds, which had been steadily increasing, now howled at 30 mph, with gusts reaching even higher. The waves, which had been relatively calm in the morning, were now building into two- to three-foot swells, even on the lee side of Wolfe Island where the crew had hoped for shelter. The conditions were worsening by the minute. Captain Bob, ever the experienced angler, knew that this battle was far from over.
As the fish continued to pull line, Captain Bob made the call to pull the other fishing gear out of the water. “We can’t risk tangling up,” he explained, as he focused all his attention on the monster musky. The boat slowly backed down toward the fish, a maneuver designed to gain some line back and relieve some of the pressure on Ed. “It’s a challenge to land a trophy muskie in the St. Lawrence River in calm water,” Captain Bob remarked. “Under conditions like these, I always expect the worst.”
Every angler knows the feeling when the fish is in control—when the line pulls taut, and the rod bends under the weight of a giant. In this case, the fish was making it clear that it was no easy catch. Ed, gripping the rod with all his strength, was fighting to keep the fish from slipping away.
Beating the Weather
At that moment, Captain Bob’s radio crackled. It was Matt, calling in from across the river. He had made his way to Quebec Point, at the eastern tip of Wolfe Island, but the conditions had turned too dangerous for him to continue fishing in his smaller craft. The wind was unrelenting, and the waves were growing more ferocious by the minute. “Hang in there, Matt,” Captain Bob replied over the radio. “We’re battling a large fish right now. As soon as we land it, we’ll be heading back to port. You can follow in my wake and I’ll break through the chop for you.”
Captain Bob’s calming words were a relief to Matt, who had been weighing the risk of navigating the rough waters. With the wind now gusting to 40 mph, the situation on the water was rapidly deteriorating. But Captain Bob, always the seasoned professional, knew how to manage the chaos of the river.
As the minutes ticked by, Ed was still struggling to gain any line on the fish. The boat rocked violently with each gust, and the waves—already daunting—were now crashing with such force that Ed had to brace himself against the boat to keep his balance. The fish wasn’t just fighting back; it was pushing Ed to his limits. The cold wind stung, and the boat creaked under the pressure of the turbulent seas.
After 25 minutes of intense battling, the musky finally surfaced—its massive body rolling in the foamy waves some 60 yards behind the boat. It was a sight to behold, a true trophy musky breaking through the chop. But the fight was far from over. Captain Bob, knowing the stakes, expertly backed the boat up toward the fish. “Keep your eye on it, Ed,” he instructed. “Don’t let any slack get into the line.”
The boat maneuvered skillfully through the waves, and with a final push, the musky was netted—its enormous body slipping into the waiting net. The tension broke, and a collective sigh of relief escaped the crew. It took two strong men to lift the fish aboard—the massive 59-inch musky was a sight to behold, its girth and weight leaving everyone in awe.
Time Is of the Essence
With the giant musky finally aboard, there was no time to waste. In musky fishing, every second counts, especially when handling a fish of this size. Captain Bob’s quick thinking and years of experience paid off in that moment. They had managed to land the fish amidst deteriorating weather, but now, the real challenge began: handling and releasing the musky as swiftly as possible to minimize stress and ensure its survival. Every decision, from the handling of the fish to the timing of the release, was crucial. Time was a luxury they couldn’t afford, but they had succeeded in bringing the monster fish aboard safely.
Catch and Release
When it comes to musky fishing, especially with the massive trophies found in the St. Lawrence River, the catch-and-release ethic is paramount. Anglers know that these fish need to be handled carefully to ensure their survival after the fight. For Captain Bob and his crew, that means taking pictures, recording weight, length, and girth measurements, and getting the fish back in the water as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize stress.
In the case of Ed Beers’ trophy musky, the numbers were impressive: 59 inches in length, a girth of 28 inches, and an estimated weight of nearly 58 pounds. But when dealing with a fish of this size, time is critical. The goal is always to ensure that the musky can return to the water safely.
Unfortunately, during the battle, the musky had become entangled, with the line wrapped around its gill plate. This added complication required extra time and care to carefully cut the line free. “We spent many minutes trying to resuscitate Beers’ fish after cutting all the line out of its gills,” Captain Bob explained with a somber tone. “It was too far gone, with too much damage and blood loss, not responding at all. We put the wash-down hose in the fish’s mouth, allowing water to flow over the gills in an attempt to revive it.”
Despite their efforts, the fish showed no signs of recovery. It was heartbreaking to watch, as this was only the third musky out of over 100 caught aboard The Waterwolf that didn’t survive the release. “After getting the line and hooks out, we worked with the muskie in the water, trying everything we could to bring it back to life,” Captain Bob said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t save it, but we gave it our best shot.”
This unfortunate loss was a reminder of the delicate balance between the thrill of the catch and the responsibility that comes with handling such a magnificent creature. It was a moment of reflection on the challenges of musky fishing and the importance of responsible catch-and-release practices.
Rigs and Lures
The fight with Ed’s trophy musky began with a strike on a classic rig that Captain Bob swears by: the Berger King Rig. Named after Dave Berger, the former owner of the 1000 Islands Bait Store, this tandem rig has proven its worth over the years. Dave first designed the rig by pairing a large plug with a wire leader that connected to a trailing large spoon. The particular rig that landed this massive musky consisted of an eight-inch Believer lure combined with a Williams Whitefish spoon—a deadly combination in the hands of Captain Bob.
“I put that rig out on my planers, and it stays there all season,” Captain Bob revealed. “It has connected with more than half of the 100 muskie I’ve landed so far.” The combination of the Believer and Williams Whitefish spoon has become a signature setup, its effectiveness proven by the number of successful musky catches it has been part of over the years. For Captain Bob, it’s a tried-and-true tactic that’s been integral to his success in the St. Lawrence River’s musky waters.
Good News Travels Fast
Captain Bob Walters couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride as he shared the news over the radio. After landing the monster 59-inch musky, he called Matt, the seasoned fisherman from Philadelphia, to let him know about the giant fish they had just caught in the St. Lawrence River. “We’ve got it,” Captain Bob said, explaining how the fish sadly didn’t survive and would be brought back to port for mounting at Lax Taxidermy. On hearing the news, Matt quickly tucked in behind The Waterwolf, seeking shelter from the now gusting winds as the two boats made the rough crossing of the main channel to Clayton, New York.
Welcoming Committee
By the time Captain Bob and Ed returned to dock, the news of the huge catch had spread like wildfire. Dave Berger, among others who had been listening in on the radio transmission, was waiting on the dock to lend a hand with the boat. “It was like a welcoming committee,” recalls Captain Bob with a smile. “It’s so rare to land a fish like that, and even rarer to bring it back to the dock.” The musky was carefully measured and weighed once more, its size and weight still leaving everyone in awe. Dave Berger, a local musky legend, commented, “I think that’s the biggest muskie I’ve seen caught in the St. Lawrence River!”
Ed Beers agreed, his eyes wide with amazement at the fish of a lifetime he had just hooked.
A Fish of a Lifetime
The trophy musky was carefully wrapped and frozen for shipment to Lax Reproductions in Conover, Wisconsin, where Ed had a lifelike reproduction created. The stunning replica made its debut at the Muskie Expo in Chicago, Illinois, where it became a centerpiece. Meanwhile, Captain Bob decided to have a skin mount done, which he planned to display at the Thousand Island Bait Shop for public viewing. “This is a fish of a lifetime!” says Captain Bob, who jokingly adds, “I don’t think Ed knows just how big of a deal this is yet.”
In the midst of all the excitement, Captain Bob can’t help but think about the future. “There’s a new world-record muskie in the St. Lawrence River right now, just waiting to be caught,” he says with confidence. “And we have as good a chance as anyone to land it.”
Captain Bob Walters and his trusty Waterwolf spend much of the year chasing different fishing opportunities. In the spring, they charter for Chinook salmon in Wilson, NY, before following the salmon down Lake Ontario during the summer months. The season wraps up in September at the Salmon River in Port Ontario. By October, Captain Bob brings the boat to the St. Lawrence River, where the musky hunt begins in earnest and continues through December 15th. For more information about Waterwolf charters, visit stlawrencemuskiefishing.com.
