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