Did you know that in New York waters, there is a common species of fish that can fight and possibly drag a person underwater?
Known as muskellunge or ‘muskies,’ they are New York’s largest freshwater sportfish and are highly sought after by anglers as the ultimate trophy catch.
Although attack incidents are rare and usually occur when a person dangles their feet in the water from a boat or dock, there have been news reports of muskies pulling people under water.
One such incident involved a woman wading in the water near a dock when a muskie latched onto her leg and pulled her under. Fortunately, he was saved by nearby friends and family.
The muskellunge is a torpedo-shaped fish with a large mouth and long, sharp teeth. They have a greenish-gold to light brown color on their back, head, and upper sides, and a cream or pearly-white belly.
These predatory fish rely primarily on sight to catch prey, which can include a variety of animals such as minnows, gamefish, muskrats, ducks, mice, and frogs. They can grow large, with some individuals reaching up to 30 years of age and eating prey up to 2/3 their own body length.
The muskellunge is known for its fighting spirit and aerial acrobatics, often jumping into the water and trying to shake the hook. They have the ability to pull the line under the boat or wrap it around submerged obstacles. Hooking a muskie is a thrilling experience for freshwater anglers and one they will likely never forget.
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