Dan Caricaburu-Lundin set the IGFA all-tackle length record after catching a 45-plus-inch tiger muskie in Montana. Boone Tullett
Dan Caricaburu-Lundin, hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, launched his kayak onto Ackley Lake in Montana, aiming to break the IGFA all-tackle length world record for tiger muskie. On the morning of May 20, he made a Facebook post stating, “I’m not looking for a fish today; I’m looking for ‘the fish.’” The post featured a large glide bait with a trout pattern alongside an official IGFA measuring tool.
Sometimes plans come together perfectly. Just a few hours later, he was taking pictures with a tiger muskie measuring 115 centimeters (45.28 inches), surpassing the previous world length record by approximately 6 inches. The IGFA officially ratified the new record in August.
“I’ve fished [Lake Ackley] a lot, and the biggest fish I’ve ever caught was 44 inches,” Dan noted. “Catching one this size is pretty extraordinary.”
On the morning he caught the fish, the angler shared this photo on Facebook with the caption, “I’m not looking for a fish today; I’m looking for ‘the fish.’” Dan Caricaburu-Lundin
Montana Tiger Muskie Fishing
Tiger muskellunge are hybrids that result from crossing true muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and northern pike (Esox lucius). They combine characteristics from both species, making them fierce and toothy predators. These fish are impressive game fish, with record weights exceeding 50 pounds.
The tiger muskie population in Lake Ackley is no coincidence. Dan has fished the small 226-acre lake frequently and has encountered several large specimens. Historically, Ackley has been known as a trout fishery, but around a decade ago, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) began stocking tiger muskie annually to manage the overgrowth of undesirable longnose and white suckers. Consequently, the tiger muskie population has flourished.
Catching The World Record Tiger Muskie
Dan estimated that his tiger muskie weighed well over 30 pounds. Using Garmin LiveScope, he spotted the fish swimming about 3 feet deep in deeper waters and cast an 8-inch, 2.5-ounce custom kokanee salmon glide bait he crafted in his garage. At that moment, he was maneuvering his kayak when the fish struck.
“I wasn’t prepared for the bite, so my hook set was a bit weak, and the fish launched itself about 5 feet into the air,” Dan recounted. “I felt a bit overwhelmed. I really wasn’t equipped for this; that fish barely fit into my net.”
Dan navigated to the shore, where he managed to control the fish. Fishing guide Boone Tullet happened to be driving by and noticed Dan battling with the fish. He stopped to assist with photos and an official IGFA measurement before releasing the fish. The previous record length was 100 centimeters (39.37 inches), captured in 2022 at Blue Water Reservoir, New Mexico by Joshua Daniels.