Connor Merritt

Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota is a top destination for anglers, and now it’s produced what could be a new muskie world record. Traveling angler and world-record chaser Art Weston has once again made quite a splash, this time reeling in a 57.5-inch muskie while fishing with local legend Nolan Sprengeler.  

Weston, who currently holds 38 world fishing records, is no stranger to big catches, but he told Outdoor Life that this was different: “It was like a Mack truck grabbed my lure and headed the opposite direction. I Think I let out an audible ‘Oof’ sound when it struck.” 

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Muskie Fishing with Nolan Sprengeler 

Weston traveled specifically to Lake Mille Lacs to fish with Sprengeler, who set Minnesota’s muskie record in 2021. Together, they targeted a world-record catch in the length category — one that would allow them to release the fish alive.  

“Nolan is very concerned for the well-being of muskies,” Weston said to Outdoor Life. “He liked that the length record wouldn’t require us to weigh the fish on land.” 

Art Weston holds up the pending world-record muskie he caught with Nolan Sprengeler in Minnesota. Photo courtesy of Art Weston.

Breaking the Muskie World Record 

Their approach worked: After casting massive lures into the dark, just before midnight on Tuesday, Weston hooked the muskie they’d been after. Using a Bondy Royal Orba lure, he fought the fish as Sprengeler coached him to reel in fast, reducing the chance of losing it. The battle lasted only about 30 seconds, ending with Sprengeler ready at the net. 

After documenting the catch, the duo released the muskie, watching it disappear back into the depths. “She swam near the surface for a few seconds, then went head down and disappeared to live her best life,” Weston said to Outdoor Life. 

The muskie is pending official verification by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). If confirmed, this catch will replace the current world record, making it Weston’s 79th record entry.

Read the full story on Outdoor Life.

Read about more fishing records on iSportsmanUSA.

Photos courtesy of Art Weston.