Sam Becker, a dedicated firefighter and paramedic from Mokena, Illinois, has a passion for angling that goes beyond his day job. His hobby involves seeking out the largest, most formidable fish in the Midwest, particularly the musky. Becker's expertise extends to Illinois waters near his home, where muskellunge are stocked, and he also ventures to Wisconsin for longer trips, bringing his boat along for the ride. Wisconsin's Green Bay, with its 1,600 square miles of water, is a prime spot for Becker's pursuits.
On June 4, 2025, Jake Van Remortel from Hazelhurst, Wisconsin, caught and released a 56-inch-long musky in Green Bay, setting a new state record in the live release category. This record was soon surpassed on September 9 by Greg Matzke from Florence, Wisconsin, who caught a 56.5-inch musky. The question arises: could 2025 see a third record-breaking catch?
Becker, who was aware of the DNR's live release record program, recently made history with a 57-inch musky caught on August 26 in Oconto County. He held the fish for photos and released it, adhering to the program's guidelines. However, Matzke's record held briefly before Becker's submission was approved, solidifying his place in the state's live release category.
The DNR's live release program, initiated in 2017, promotes the conservation of fisheries resources and quality fishing by encouraging the release of trophy-size popular sport species. This initiative has gained wide acceptance among anglers, especially those targeting muskies. The program accepts length-only record applications for the catch and live release of selected species in Wisconsin waters, with minimum qualifying lengths established for various fish.
Green Bay's reputation as a top fishery for large muskies is well-deserved. A 2019 study by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater estimated that recreational sport fishing in Green Bay contributes $264 million annually to the regional economy. The bay has long been a haven for various fish species, but musky fishing has taken center stage in recent times.
Muskies were once native to Green Bay and the Great Lakes but faced decline due to overfishing and habitat loss. In 1989, the DNR, in collaboration with the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and local clubs, initiated a Great Lakes muskellunge reintroduction program in Green Bay waters of Lake Michigan. Since then, the DNR has managed the muskellunge population through stocking, surveys, and research, revealing limited natural reproduction in the bay.
The DNR has stocked a significant number of large fingerlings and yearling muskellunge into Green Bay and its tributaries since 1989, including 15,995 large fingerling muskies in 2024. Titletown Muskies Inc., a local club, has played a crucial role in raising and stocking muskies by maintaining rearing ponds.
The results of these efforts are evident in the state's record book and anglers' catches. Van Remortel's fish broke the previous record by 2.5 inches, and Matzke's catch further extended the record by 0.5 inches. Becker's 57-inch musky added another 0.5 inches to the mark, but he assuredly believes that a larger musky awaits in the bay, and he aims to catch it.
