(KNSI) – Ice fishing on Mille Lacs Lake leads to a record-tying catch.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a 46-1/4 inch northern pike was reeled in on January 22nd. Brad Lila says he fought the fish for 10 minutes before realizing he needed help. Two other anglers joined him, working for another half hour to get the pike to the surface.
He says the knot where his lure was attached to the line would get caught on the bottom of the ice, which complicated matters. Lila released the fish and he says he hopes that someone else gets the same thrill he got from having it on his line.
“It was so satisfying seeing her swim away. I am so very appreciative of the state of Minnesota for supporting a catch and release program.” Lila adds, “It’s great to know that she’s out there passing along those incredible genes and that someone else may have a chance of landing her someday.”
The DNR says it was most likely a female that was carrying eggs before spawning.
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