Observation

We tagged a 32" yesterday afternoon and released it near the capture location on the channel edge. This release site was probably just off the channel edge in the main channel. The fish went down and appeared to move around a bit. By the end of the two hours of tracking it had moved to the opposite side of the channel.

Sometimes it's difficult to release a fish in shallow water (i.e., when trolling open water or casting for open water suspended muskies), but where possible I think it's a good idea. A fish can take refuge in cover and regain its composure (get stress levels back to homeostasis/baseline values). Released into open water may force the fish to exert more energy (of which, depending on the severity of the angling event, there may be minimal amounts left) to find an appropriate area of refuge.

Just a thought.