Hobbies A Fish Story
Maag Gala’s very own Shane Crawford, AKA “Crawdad”, debunks the myth and shares the legend of fishing muskie here in our local waters. Did you know the James River provides world-class fishing of muskie year around? That is due to Virginia’s continually open muskie season. Also, conditions for this fish are prime in the James River, except for the hottest water, July/August. Shane grew up an avid outdoorsman; hunting and fishing. 9-years ago muskie fishing became his passion. Shane’s personal best muskie catch was 48”, and he continues to search for the largest which was 50”+. So, what is muskie fishing all about? Shane stated, “it is the fish of 10,000 casts; A rare and quite interesting fish.” The Muskellunge , known as the muskie, is an apex predator. Traditionally they eat shad and sucker fish. However, they also eat whatever unknowingly comes their way; ducks, rats, snakes. Yet, to humans muskie are harmless. Often you will not know a muskie is close by due to their blending with the habitat. Shane’s journey chasing muskie also resulted in an addiction collecting muskie bait. These handcrafted items are made from western red cedar with intricate painting. Some of these baits cost hundreds of dollars, so he works hard not to lose them! Shane also has traveled to KY, PA, OH, IL, NY and IN to attend Muskie Expos, or bait shows. We look forward to Shane’s follow-up story when he catches the 50”+.
Shane’s Fishing Facts • Best day ever, Shane moved 27 muskie during a tournament in over 16 miles of river • 5 were put in his boat in that same day! • It is catch and release for these massive stream-dwellers • Often the muskie are tagged and tracked. Shane contributes to documenting muskie’s vast movement over 100 miles of water
When Shane is not chasing Muskie in the James River, he is catching Blue Catfish. This one weighs 62 lbs. He’s still looking for the 100 pounder!
Hundreds! That best describes Shane’s immense and treasured muskie bait collection.
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