Articles : Jurassic Muskie

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JURASSIC MUSKIE
A LOOK AT GENETICS, DNA, AND THE “SUPER FISH”
By: Steven James Rusteberg

It was once said by famous fisherman Portor Dean that he could identify what lake that a Muskie came out of just by looking at the fish. Of a corse there were doubters. But with new research and study, we begin to realize that Portor’s educated guesses were not all that far off. Dean based his guesses on distinct characteristic of each individual fishes markings, not just psychic powers.
With new research in this area, scientists and biologists have now identified several different strains of Muskie thought the United States and Canada. Each strain carries its own distinct look and adaptations to suite the environment it lives in.

Just for arguments sake, let me introduce some of these distinct attributes.

1. Lac Suel Fish: These fish carry several very unusual characteristics, almost always noticeable to the naked eye. Look at a picture of a Lac Suel fish. Notice the distinct “blood red” fins. These fins are almost always split. Some may argue this is what happens during an extensive fight, improper handling, or even net misuse. This characteristic I have found to be all too common, it just can’t be a coincidence. Lac Seul fish are also dark along the back, yet fairly light in the belly, probably due to the dark water clarity. In my findings, many have red spot disease. ( Based on fish caught in 1995)

2. Wabagoon Fish: This fish carries a very clean look. Very few pictures of these fish contain scarring, sarcoma, or red spot. Fins in general, seem to remain intact without splits or bleeding. These fins tend to be more orange than red, and often have markings in the form of spots or dark extended lines from its torso.

3. St. Laurence River: These fish can be almost be unmistakable when saw on film. The fish from the St. Laurence River (or Laura at it is called) fish have very distinct spot markings. Even older fish are beautiful marked with spots. When looking at a fish from Laura you know it! Extensive spots give them away.

4. Georgian Bay: Muskie from the giant “G.B.” area can be identified through soft bars and blotches. A better way to identify these fish on film is to look for the Lynthocarcoma that plague the species in this area. Sean McCarthy’s (a local guide) pictures brought this to my attention. I was hard pressed to find a photo without some sort of sarcoma on the fish. Other photo’s I have acquired of these fish prove my point, however, I have no evidence that this holds true in the French River or the Moon River.

5. Flambeau Chain, WI: A close color photo of Gean Allen’s fifty pounder, holds the clue to the mystery that you are looking at a “Chain Fish.” These fish have distinct “blood red fins.” A Flambeau Chain fish typically does not exceed fifty inches, but what a girth! If it is caught in northern Wisconsin and somebody is claiming to have caught a forty-eight incher with a twenty-six-inch girth don’t discount this body of water, even if the rumor is Trout Lake.

My point in including these fish characteristic and attributes in this article is not to claim that each is a strain of Muskie. I have no scientific data to support the above observations. I am not a scientist or biologist, but it is very obvious to me I am looking at some distinct differences in fish in these lakes. I will leave the scientists, biologists, and ecologists to their studies. My interests lie simply in the genetic make up of the “super fish” inhabiting these lakes and rivers which has lead me to do some research.
Earlier this year I began an ongoing discussion with Larry Ramsell. The discussion was based on acquiring DNA of the biggest fish ever caught in the United States and Canada. My goal was to find a scientist willing to take part in the isolation of the genetic codes within the DNA strand of the “Super Muskie.” My goal was to better understand how these fish were able to reach gigantic per portions. Sound EASY! Little did I know what I was in for.

Questions I wanted answers to:

1. As alluded to above, we are aware that Muskie have very distinct characteristic in each body of water. Which strain can reach “SUPER FISH” per portions?

2. Am I stocking an inferior strain (one of which can’t reach “SUPER FISH” per portions) into my local waters? If so, what are we doing this for?

3. Can crossbreeding of strains give promise to even bigger and better genetic giants? And which strains are compatible breeders?

4. Which genes, and genetic codes are dominant and recessive in different strains of Muskie?

5. Is a “SUPER FISH” a product of it’s genetic code, or it’s environment?

These are not easily answered questions, even by the most educated “Muskie Professionals.” If logically answered, finding scientific data to back up your opinion is simply is not easy.
In my search to find answers to the above questions, educators and biologists lead me to several early studies conducted by Dr. Crossman at the University of Toronto. Easier to access information, came from a shot in the dark phone call to the University of Illinois. I have found a scientist after my own heart. The study of genetic codes in Muskie had begun two years earlier to my interest in the subject. A graduate student under the supervision of a scientist named Bob Philip, was more than just one step ahead of me. Although the findings are not near complete, early predictions can be made.
The study has identified at least eight individual strains of the Esox Muskonoge throughout the U.S. and Canada. According to Philip core tissue samples are being taken from fish in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Canada. From these core samples, DNA testing can be conducted. Although the “Super Fish” genetic chain may never be identified due to its complex makeup, steps are being taken to identify the separate strains of fish in order discover their compatibility advantages.
Important to the study of a “Super Fish”, is the presence of the dominant and recessive gene. Just as blue eyes might be a recessive gene in your family, so too might length (or girth) be in a Muskie’s genetic code. Therefore, a recessive length gene within a code will not produce a genetic giant. Recently, I heard this fact put best by Russ Wayre of Fishing Hot Spots at a local fishing talk. Russ compared Wilk Chamberlain and William “The Frig” Perry to himself. He explained how his genetics will never let him reach the height of Wilk, or the girth of Perry.

A better understanding of DNA and genetic coding will instill the possibility that the world record fish of 69lb. 11 oz. will some day be beaten. The end of 1996 will conclude Philip’s work down at the University of Illinois. Funding is short and the possibility that his work may be put on the back burner is great. With contributions and interests by fisherman, fishing clubs, and publications such as this we must ensure that his work continues. Genetics is the key to the door of the “SUPER FISH”, without this the future looks bleak. With pollution, loss of spawning grounds, and legislation such as the Clean Water Act slipping away from us the chances of mother nature producing a giant becomes less likely.