A big muskie: Another personal-best muskie from the Chain O’Lakes earns Fish of the Week

Rich Frye caught a personal-best muskie from the Chain O’Lakes. | Provided

Rich Frye caught an extra sweet muskie about 3 p.m. Friday in very shallow “chocolate milk” on the Chain O’Lakes.

The 48.25-inch muskie, estimated at 34-35 pounds, came on a beautifully gaudy 1.25-ounce Osage orange hand-crafted lipless crankbait he makes for Fryebaits.

The Fryebait that Rich Frye caught his personal-best muskie on.

“I was straight retrieving from some laydowns when she hit about 35 feet from the boat,” he emailed. “She was netted and released with a few pics in a few minutes time. Yeah, she is a beauty, especially with our mutt strain here on the Chain. My personal best and an awesome experience, especially on my own bait.”

FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).

A wide view of Rich Frye’s personal-best muskie.