Dad said, “Hey, son, you and I are going to the outdoor show tomorrow. They will have rods and reels, and this year, there is a live fish tank where we can try to catch a trout.”

Later in the day, Dad explained that the fish were just little stockers, but he also said that the newspaper noted that kids who caught a fish could take them home for the frying pan.

Throughout the day, we talked about how handsome trout are to see. They are silvery and spotted with markings and dots, depending on what kind of trout. I couldn’t sleep that night. That was more than 70 years ago for me, and I still remember it like yesterday. There is something special about the thrill of watching live fish and trying to catch them.

This year, at the recently held New York Musky Expo in Celoron, the musky fish hatchery at Prendergast Point had taken the time to set up a large aquarium with — you guessed it — live baby muskies. There were four of them in the tank. Large eyes, long snoots for a dominant jaw, graceful fins and tail constantly readjusting to swim and maintain their dynamic balance in the water. The fish were not just beautiful, they were a show-stopper.

Visitors at the New York Musky Expo last weekend were momentarily mesmerized when they reached the live musky tank exhibit at the NYSDEC. It became a learning station for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Katia Rivers

As the visitors filed up and down the aisles, they stopped and were momentarily mesmerized when they reached the live musky tank exhibit at the NYSDEC. It became a learning station. Of course, you might need to know that many visitors were ardent, passionate, musky anglers at heart. Many brought their families and friends, too. Many kids came back to see the baby muskies time and time again. Their beauty was truly awe-inspiring.

There were many “best parts” to this story. The kids created a permanent live fish impression about musky. Kids asked parents about getting a fish tank for home-fish biology promotion. Everyone had questions about how these fish survive and what they need to eat to stay healthy. The DEC folks were right there to answer all questions. Last but not least, the NYSDEC walked out onto the ice-covered lake next to the hotel, drilled a hole and released the baby musky into the lake for the future. The story of musky sustainability is at its very best.

How fast will they grow? The NYSDEC data shows muskies triple in size from age one (10-12 inches) to age four (30 inches). They grow to nearly 5 feet long over a decade or two. They grow to be enormous in size and weight. Their powerful jaws chew up wooden lures, break fishing rods, and snap fishing lines. Indeed, they are the most exciting freshwater fish, and they thrive here in Chautauqua Lake. The New York State record musky weighed one ounce shy of 70 pounds.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Feb. 6: WNY Walleye, monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Hamburg.

Feb. 9: WNY 3-D Archery, League shoot, open to the public, this week at Collins Conservation Club, 2636 Conger Road, Collins, $15, kids 12 and under free, info: 716-863-7342.

Feb. 13-16: Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, 101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

Feb. 18: Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Bison City Rod & Gun, 511 Ohio St.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.