Gary,
As far as musky fishing goes, congrats on the first musky. As far as releasing them goes, use some needle nose pliers and a larger net. I try to keep them in the water because they'll injure themselves in the boat. A glove on your left hand(r-handed person)and hold them under the gill cover carefully so as not to injure the red gills.
I love catching these muskies and put all of them back to share the experience with the next angler. Hopefully they are doing the same. Remember, they're sterille so there is no reproduction and everyone taken out of the lake is gone forever.
I also use a cloth sewing tape to measure them in the water and a disposable camera for a couple of quick pics. Say hi if you see me on the water. Red/Wht Champion bass boat.
Good luck fishing.
Mark

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