Musky capital of the world
When the vast majority of anglers think of musky fishing their minds are drawn Northerly, and I can’t blame them. However, as a Nationally Published Musky Angling Author, International Brand Spokesperson, Video and Podcast Musky Fishing Personality, Lure Designer, and Professional Musky Guide, there is a distinct reason I spend the majority of my days in Anderson County, Tennessee. With so many irons in the fire that is the musky fishing industry, I could have set up shop just about anywhere these toothy critters swim, but East Tennessee just won’t let me go.
Yes, its splendid unquestionable beauty may have played a small part in my setting down roots, and I would be remiss to say that access to some of the world’s best Southern cooking didn’t turn me away either. Kind people willing to help a stranger wasn’t a deterrent nor is the safe feeling one has nestled in these rolling hills. But as resplendent as all these notions are, the two things that led me here (and now keep me here) some twenty years ago were Melton Hill Reservoir and Norris Lake.
While some outdoors enthusiasts are interested in the adrenaline rush of renting a jet ski on Norris Lake, spending a lazy day on a
Musky Capital of the World Story™
October 11, 2023
The Story of BOULDER JUNCTION, WISCONSIN: The Musky Capital of the World®
Muskellunge, Musky or Esox Masquinongy masquinongy – regardless of the name it goes by, it is still one heck of a fish. A member of the pike family, the majestic musky is a magnificent leaping fish which grows to over 50 inches. Noted for its tenacious fighting ability, the musky is described in Department of Natural Resources (DNR) literature as “the premier game fish of Wisconsin’s inland waters.” Once hooked on the musky fishing experience, many anglers will fish for nothing else. It has been called the fish of 10,000 casts. Some musky anglers will fish for a lifetime and never land a “legal.” In many northern lakes communities, visitors wear T-shirts which proclaim musky – everything else is just bait! Stories of the old-time musky guides are still told with relish in lakefront taverns. It is the fish of which legends are made. It is small wonder then, that many resort communities have laid claim to the title “The Musky Capital of the World.” Only one, though, can legally and legitimately claim the title.
Despite claims from a numb
Why is Boulder Junction the Musky Capital of the World®?
Known as “the fish of 10,000 casts,” the musky is Boulder Junction’s unofficial mascot, and anglers from all over flock to the Musky Capital of the World® every fishing season. So how exactly did Boulder Junction get that lofty title?
It all starts back in the 1930s, when a Chicago-based sportswriter coined the phrase to describe Boulder Junction. The town used that terminology for the next couple decades, even after some other resort communities in Wisconsin and the Midwest claimed the phrase for their destination. In 1971, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office issued a registered trademark for “Boulder Junction, The Musky Capital of the World®,” settling the matter once and for all.
So why is Boulder Junction the Musky Capital of the World®? Well, there are nearly 200 lakes within 10 miles of downtown Boulder Junction. Many of these are designated as Class A musky waters by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, so you have lots of opportunities to catch a musky (especially if you hire one of Boulder Junction’s helpful guides).
Even if you’re not fishing, you’ll still find muskies all around Boulder J
HAYWARD, Wis. Boulder Junction is the "Musky Capital of the World." That's a registered brand, so it must be accurate. Unless you're in the Hayward Lakes area, where they don't exactly say they're the "Musky Capital of the World" but nonetheless built a 500-ton, 143-foot-long musky to make a signal. In Canada, Ontario's Lake of the Woods claims the title, even though Canada and Wisconsin, at least for now, contribute the same world as does Chautauqua Lake, in Brand-new York, which is given "capital" status on scattered Web sites. There also are assorted "Muskie Capitals of the World" at least one in Minnesota but any way it's spelled (for this project, we're siding with the Boulder Junction version), Wisconsin's North Woods is heaven for anglers angling to catch one. Why all the excitement about a fish? Adequately, it's not just a fish ... "It's the thrill of the battle," says John Dettloff, musky fishing guide, author and owner of Indian Trail Resort on the Chippewa Flowage, not far from Hayward. "It's so explosive. I've seen 'em tug 250-pound men down to their knees. "No other fish takes your breath away like a musky." "It's a tremendous amount of strength," says Tim Bowler, guide and
Boulder Junction, Wisconsin: Marty the Musky
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