Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Established!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2013 Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Established The International Committee of the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program (MDMWRP) is pleased to announce the acceptance of a recent muskellunge catch as its world record. The capture of a 58-pound “muskie” by Joe Seeberger of Portage, Michigan on the 13th of October, 2012 from Lake Bellaire, Michigan has set the new modern standard for the world’s muskie anglers. This modern day record program began in 2006 by a committee consisting of some of the worlds top muskellunge scientists, along with several muskie industry leaders, muskie anglers and outdoor media personalities (www.modernmuskierecords.org). The committee decided at that time, to set a qualifying standard for muskellunge application at 60-pounds, rather than leave it “open“ to minimize entries merely to establish a new modern record, important in these days of catch and release. After seven years with no entries, several of our committee members got together and recommended that we consider the Seeberger fish, after the fact. The length of time that had passed with no fish entered in our program, indicated the real rarity of the species attaining such size. Our committee voted unanimously to slightly reduce the minimum weight requirement and begin the authentication process of the 58-pound Seeberger muskie. After a through three-month review to assure it met the stringent MDMWRP rules requirements for record, our esteemed committee members once again voted unanimously to accept this fish as the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record. Therefore, we are proud to announce that the official weight and measurements of this grand fish are; Weight: 58-pounds, Length: 58-inches* and Girth: 29-inches (full catch details will be available on our website: www.modernmuskierecords.org). The fish met all established standards except for the length claim, as the initial length measurement was not made in accordance with MDMWRP standards protocol. The fish was found to be one-inch shorter than the initial submitted length measurement of 59-inches. *It should be noted that our rules require a bump board style length measurement, which is in keeping with the practice of scientific length measurement and with most of today’s catch and release and tournament standards. Wide use and acceptance of this standard is of great value to the scientific community in determining the maximum obtainable size of North America’s largest freshwater sport species. When Mr. Seeberger caught his muskie he was completely unaware of its significance. He was merely keeping it as a personal trophy that became the new Michigan State record for Great Lakes Strain Muskellunge. It is now the highly coveted MDMWRP world record champion as well! This International Modern Day Muskellunge record should constitute a highly credible all-tackle world record that is acceptable to legions of North American muskie anglers. For more information, Contact: Steve Worrall, MDMWRP Public Relations Director: email [email protected] or Larry Ramsell, MDMWRP Committee Chairman: email [email protected] Photo caption: Joe Seeberger (center), with assistants Jason Orbeck and brother Chuck Seeberger and his 58-pound, 58-inch Muskellunge, a new Modern Day Muskellunge World Record. Donald Lash, Captains Choice Marine, photo

Agreed with most on here. I fish primarily Musky, attend shows and read EVERYTHING Musky.....why is this the fisst I have heard of your "MDWR blah blah group? Absolutely ridicoulus. Sounds like a bunch of whiny pouting little boys to me. Holy crap, can't we just repect and enjoy the great history and heritage of our biggest freshwater sport-fish? That would be too easy, huh? I think maybe at your next meeting you should pass out some hand-outs on the history of Musky fishing in the midwest and get back to your roots.

I just can't help but wonder why Larry did not point out the weight and length difference way back when he first examined the O'Brien fish? I don't have a problem with the new record organization. They set up the rules to recognize their world record, Hall of Fame has their record and so does the IGFA. My record fish is a 44incher caught in Lake Redstone in WI. If I get a bigger one, that is the record I care about.

I talked to a biologist and he said the problem with GB fish is that they actually eat to much and die to soon because of the amount they eat. He did not believe that they could get to WR size in GB. But then again there could be that one fish that defies the odds.

Green Bay does have the potential to kick out a fish that pushes it but there are inland lakes that can produce some incredible fish also. The two 50 pounders that Tom Gelb rowed up came out of lakes in the ceded territory that have been speared. Wisconsin does have the potential for an inland super fish. Perhaps not 70 pounds....but....50 pounders do exist and they exist in places that go overlooked in favor of more popular bodies of water.

Even if Louis Spray's record fish wasn't really 69lbs 13oz then it's THE Greatest Fish Story of all time! It's in WI heritage to grow big musky. Although maybe not now. Glad theres no sprearing on Green Bay. I'd put money the next record will come from there. Or Canada/MI.

the records are what they are. It had been stated by this group that these fish can't get 60+#, nobody has broke the record for so long it's got to be a fake. Well ya the record has stood since the 40's. Musky fisherman only makes up 1% of the anglers and till the late 80's catch and release was not the norm. The 70# mark is going to get broke it's just a matter of time. Look at the bass world of fishing the record bass was the OLDEST on the books at 1932 just got a new all time tackle record. Bass is and has been the most popular game fish with millions of anglers with catch & release engrained for generations and 80yrs to get a new record. This modern world record crap reminds me of a 4yr old pitching a fit on the floor of walmart because it wants candy. I am going to get the world record 70+# fish and will submit it to the IGFA and hall of fame. Sorry Larry in your post the modern blah blah blah can't seem to hold true to its self even. Set the bar at 60 KEEP IT AT 60, no credibility.

I'm glad they finally chose a "legimate" fish to give the title to. The IGFA and the Hall of Fame are both clinging to 2 different fish as their records that have proven to be bogus!! O'Brien fell victim of a hoax put on by a bunch of Muskies Canada guys!

When Mr. Seeberger caught his muskie he was completely unaware of its significance. That's because you didn't make up the new record yet. Have to admit, if I caught the fish I'd be proud of it but would never go along with this. Seems pretty dumb.

so the IGFA and hall of fame has rewrote the record books to be in-line with what you and your little hand picked review board thinks it should be. Your group have nothing to do with approval or validating of a record catch. Yes I know, maybe just maybe if you tell every one that you are the judge and jury long enough they will think its true.

theimr, I believe the Obrian fish was caught about 20 years ago. In the fishing world I would call that modern day as opposed to a fish supposedly caught in the 40's.

Obrains fish seems legit but this is the modern day wr musky. Key word is modern probably meaning after 06. Its a beast of a fish but how do you find the biggest musky caught? How come I never heard of your group untill today. I musky fish every once in awhile and read a good amount on it. Watch musky shows but never heard of mdmwrp.

Eye Catcher, I agree on the two hour thing. While I love musky fishing they are not the hardest fighting fish out there by a long shot. The O'Brian fish at 65lbs was also weighed on a certified scale and witnessed. But this group wasn't around when it was caught so they seem to have fabricated some stuff about it so it wouldn't be in their records. Even Ramsell wrote about it in his book, now that he's part of this group he seems to have changed his mind.

Great fish caught smallmouth fishing. It is a true World Record in my book. It meets the criteria set by being weighed on a certified scale with witnesses unlike some of the other records. Congrats to the lucky fisherman. On a side note, he said it took two hours to land it. That seems excessive.

fishfinder101: Go to: http://modernmuskierecords.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=85 for the catch story, it is a dandy! Muskie regards, Larry Ramsell

Congratulations on a fish of a lifetime. That is a beautiful fish. How was the fish caught and bait? Nice Job.