Fisherman Catches Huge Fish, Then Makes Unusual Discovery

John Larson

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Third-generation fisherman Mark Larson, 42, made waves when landing a 48-inch muskellunge during Lake Michigan's annual fishing tournament. "Thirty years on these waters, and I've never felt a fight like that," he told CBS News Chicago, sweat still drying on his Bears cap. While the 63-pound catch itself would've been tournament record material, it's what glinted between the fish's razor-sharp teeth that left marine biologists buzzing.

Using specialized pliers, Larson extracted a tarnished 1920s-era pocket watch - its rusted hands frozen at 3:17. Conservation officers confirmed the timepiece contained engravings matching a long-missing Great Lakes freighter captain. DNA analysis is now underway at UW-Madison's Aquatic Science Center.

"That old muskie's been guarding history," Larson mused, carefully releasing the fish back into the choppy waters. "Some stories write themselves." Local museums have already requested to display the artifact.