In an inspiring display of winter angling prowess, an Ohio fisherman recently reeled in two significant catches—a formidable muskellunge and a sizable saugeye—from the quiet waters of Wills Creek. This remarkable achievement, occurring on a cold December evening, underscores the potential for exciting fishing opportunities even in the chilliest months, challenging the notion that prime fishing seasons are limited to warmer weather.
Ohio Angler's Winter Triumph on Wills Creek
On December 22, just as dusk descended upon Wills Creek, a tranquil tributary feeding into Ohio's Muskingum River, local angler Shane Fox embarked on what would become an unforgettable fishing expedition. Utilizing a custom-crafted 5.5-inch flat-sided chrome-green cedar jerkbait, Fox initiated a methodical, slow stop-and-go retrieve—a technique he champions for winter fishing when fish activity is naturally subdued. His perseverance paid off when he felt a substantial weight on his 12-pound-test spinning line. After an initial missed strike, Fox recast and successfully hooked what he soon discovered to be an impressive 44.5-inch muskellunge, estimated to weigh around 20 pounds. He skillfully netted the fish, measuring it before promptly releasing it back into the stream, adhering to his personal catch-and-release philosophy.
Remarkably, the evening's success didn't end there. Approximately 30 minutes after his muskie triumph, under the deepening cloak of night, Fox switched to a 5-inch Smithwick Super Rogue jerkbait in a vibrant clown pattern. Employing a similar slow, stop-and-go retrieve with extended pauses, he once again felt a strong pull. This time, he landed a robust 26-inch saugeye, estimated to exceed 6 pounds, which was also measured and released. Fox, a 47-year-old warehouse dock employee from Adamsville, Ohio, has spent three decades familiarizing himself with the intricacies of Wills Creek and its surrounding waterways. He attributes his success to understanding the local ecosystem, particularly the presence of small bluegills near creek mouths, which attract larger predatory species like muskie and saugeye. His experience reinforces the wisdom that finding the food source is key to locating prized catches, especially in the less-frequented winter season.
This narrative serves as a compelling reminder that the thrill of angling is not confined to specific seasons. Shane Fox's extraordinary winter catches on Wills Creek demonstrate that dedication, the right technique, and an understanding of fish behavior can lead to significant rewards, even when the temperatures drop and most other anglers have packed away their gear. His story encourages fellow fishing enthusiasts to embrace the quiet beauty and unexpected bounty that winter fishing can offer, proving that colder conditions can, in fact, enhance the angling experience by reducing competition and fostering a deeper connection with nature.