All the more reason to carry a BIG net whenever you're in MI musky/pike water. :-) Amazing too, that Lake Bellaire is only 3 or 4 miles from Torch Lake where the current Musky record was landed; 50-pound, 8-ounce on Sept. 27, 2009. Seems like a good reason to move to Traverse City!

Nice fish but really were you targeting smallmouths using 7 inch baits?

Not to be that guy... but you didn't release it back into the lake? Incredible fish, though

Big smallmouths love to eat suckers and perch. We have caught fish over 4 pounds in the past using an 8 inch perch for bait. They usually only last one cast. Either a bass or a pike will eat the bait right away. Bellaire is an awesome lake!

can I use that minnow for bait?

barbas929 you just jealous . We Americans have what is called pride ! And you have nothing but an empty boat ! bunky

after the battle that took place with that ligth line, the musky would not have a very good chance of surviving if released and also, how much bigger do you think it will get before it dies of old age. I would release it if I got it on my musky tackle and landed it quickly but certainly would not condemn him for keeping it

Great catch, Jon. This Bud's for you, from Indiana!