Getting New People Into Muskies?
BettieBait
Posted 2/24/2004 11:26 AM (#98308)
Subject: Getting New People Into Muskies?




Posts: 41


Me and my boyfriend have a number of friends who fish walleyes and bass mostly, but have expressed some interest to us in trying to go after some muskies too. Most of them have their own boats, but I just wanted to ask all of you what you think is the best way to help them along with starting muskie fishing, but to not get too discouraged at first if they don't get into some serious action?

BB
0723
Posted 2/24/2004 11:29 AM (#98309 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?




Posts: 5193


Have them fish for bass on muskie waters.0723
FishingFool
Posted 2/24/2004 11:40 AM (#98313 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?




Location: Eau Claire,WI
This is easier than you may think...Break up the day fishing.In other words,work a weed bed/rock/any structure for muskies and then go back and work the same structure for bass or walleyes,or vice versa.If you are fishing bass/walleyes,have a muskie rod rigged and ready to go,you never know when one will show itself.Oh,one other thing,don't get burned out muskie fishing,make it fun and enjoyable.
Steve Van Lieshout
Posted 2/24/2004 11:53 AM (#98316 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?




Posts: 1916


Location: Greenfield, WI
Try to get them to bodies of water that are known as "numbers" water.
Don't start them off on water that doesn't have a good population of muskies. Trophy fishing can happen well after they are hooked onto muskie fishing. Action is very important to new entrants into our "disease"! Early in the season would also be a good idea to help show them numbers of fish.
tuffy1
Posted 2/24/2004 12:31 PM (#98324 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?





Posts: 3242


Location: Racine, Wi
I second SVLs comment. Take them to number lakes, and in the spring time. The fish tend to be shallower, and more accessable that time of year. You can even have them throwing bass type baits then, and can get action from either species. They would surely see some fish to get them going at least.
lobi
Posted 2/24/2004 1:07 PM (#98333 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?





Posts: 1137


Location: Holly, MI
Do they CPR Bass? If not, preach gently at first. If it goes anything like the two guys I took out (on seperate trips)last year one Muskie caught by them is enough to get them spending!(and dreaming, talking, etc.)
mikie
Posted 2/24/2004 2:34 PM (#98345 - in reply to #98333)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?





Location: Athens, Ohio
Bring them to a MuskieFirst outing! It sure got me going. m
Gander Mt Guide
Posted 2/24/2004 2:44 PM (#98347 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?





Posts: 2515


Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI
Besides starting on "numbers lakes", try easier spinner baits first. Go with Musky Killers, Rizzo Wizzes, Slippery Sams and tandums like the Bionic Bucktail. All these baits are simple to use and are relatively cheap. When I first started out, trying to use jerks and glides was very discouraging. Gain some confidence then go to technique orientated baits.
muskyboy
Posted 2/24/2004 2:50 PM (#98348 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?


Seriously target them on known musky waters by going with a musky rod/reel/line/leader combo and picking up some easy musky baits to toss like bucktails, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters. Everyone on here can give you recommendations on all things musky. The real trick is to catch one and then you might just be hooked.
nwild
Posted 2/24/2004 2:52 PM (#98349 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?





Posts: 1996


Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain
I fully agree with the KISS theory with rookies. Keep it simple stupid. The easiest baits to work you can find. My three favorites are bucktails, tail rotating topwater, and 6" twitchbaits. Have them throwing these baits on the highest populated musky water you can find and you will create more addicts before you know it.

Edited by nwild 2/24/2004 2:55 PM

Posted 2/24/2004 4:04 PM (#98355 - in reply to #98308)
Subject: RE: Getting New People Into Muskies?


I agree w/ the above and also find it very helpful to coach them along during their outing. Teach them musky 101 basics so that they don't get so frustrated with their initial failures. Get them back on the water fairly soon and make sure they contact fish--even if you do the catching their enthusiasm will build. Take them out on those action days and get them a fish and they may never go back to those bass, etc.......