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Posts: 1169
Location: New Hope MN | Now the musky season is over for the year (well for most of us). What was one thing you learned this year? Be it big or small.
Mine was don't be afraid to change lakes if you aren't having any success (if available). |
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Location: Hayward WI | I reaffirmed that "good spots" are good spots. Have the patience to fish them and fish them slowly even if you don't have follows, slow down and you can be rewarded. |
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Posts: 992
| I learned that just when I think ive learned all there is, the sport knocks me right back on my a$$ again and I love it |
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Posts: 3157
| I learned why poolside lure demos are not has popular has they used to be
because
70% of the boats you go by the guy in the front has on a double 10 and the guy in the back has on a bulldawg,,so who needs to see other lures |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | Don't use flourocarbon leaders in the fall on Mille Lacs. 
AND... don't suck. |
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Posts: 112
Location: Nielsen's Fly-In Lodge, on Rowan Lake | Ya know being on the water almost every day I have learned over the years even though I'm thinking about 3 different spots ahead of where I am I have to keep telling myself to just slow down and fish this thoughly and then move on but fish the area completely we are all in to big of a hurry also holds true in every day life |
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Posts: 39
| I learned I should get a different job so I can fish more
...and I really need a boat |
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Posts: 1286
Location: Stevens Point, Wi. | Life is short, and now it is one year shorter. |
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Posts: 797
Location: North Central IL USA | ghoti - 12/7/2011 10:12 AM
Life is short, and now it is one year shorter.
Yes....sadly. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | I can catch just as many fish with double 8's. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | if you happen upon a spot filled with smallies ... stop and catch a few |
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Location: Minneapolis | This was my first season and I learned a TON! |
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| Flambeauski - 12/7/2011 10:19 AM
I can catch just as many fish with double 8's.
x 2. I learned that double 10's are overrated. Small(er) bucktails still work great. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I'm with Sled on this, it's not always about muskies, but just having fun. I fished the least amount of time for muskies this past season than I have since I began muskie fishing almost 10 years ago. I had so much fun sight fishing giant Smallies early in the spring and then busting Largemouth in the back of the bays with a frog all summer long really allowed me to get back to the fun aspect of fishing and not be so crazy about one fish. Looking forward to 2012! |
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Posts: 1086
| "2011 What did you learn?"
That I still don't have enough time to fish. 2010 and 2011 are two back-to-back years of hardly any time spent out on the water. Life has a way of changing how and where time is spent. For me though...knowing why my time on the water is limited these days is due to my two, young children, I'm not the least bit upset. My time was far better spent with them than out on the water without them. Once they get a bit older, I hope they take an interest in fishing so that they would want to go out fishing with me....that way...I'm multi-tasking: out on the water AND spending time with my kids.
We'll see what 2012 brings in the way of their interest in the sport... |
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Posts: 61
| When all else fails, downsize. Also that I love the 6 inch phantom softtail!!! |
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Posts: 40
| The spots that worked last year might not be as good this year, learn new spots! Also when a spot feels fishy, stay on it casue there will be one there!! |
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Posts: 2068
| LOTW is sacred water! I didn't go for the first time in 11 years .... god willing it will be more than 11 years before I ever make that mistake again. |
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Posts: 5874
| I learned that I could go almost the whole year without fishing for muskies, and not have a single withdrawal symptom. Went 2 days in June, and scored both days and 3-peated in the Top Water Challenge. Spent the rest of the summer working on the cabin and watching softball. |
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Location: SE Wisconsin | Learned that there are other things in life besides musky fishing, but when I'm actually fishing, life off the boat doesn't exist  Just kidding, I always knew that, I'm just coping with having many more priorities this day in age than I once did when I fished every day after work, sometimes before work, and both days of the weekends. It sucks, but I cherrish my time on the water all the more. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Guest - 12/7/2011 10:57 AM
Flambeauski - 12/7/2011 10:19 AM
I can catch just as many fish with double 8's.
x 2. I learned that double 10's are overrated. Small (er ) bucktails still work great.
x3....I was and still am as big of a fan of cowgirls as anyone but double 8's were huge last year for me..as opposed to other years were it is the opposite, makes you wonder why |
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Posts: 8835
| I learned that after four days straight throwing nothing but double 10's it's possible to launch a topraider so far up into a tree that even God can't get it down. I've also learned that I really appreciate the places I fish and the people I fish with sometimes even more than the fish. I also learned that no matter how good you think you are, sometimes the fish are better at not being caught than you are at catching them. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | ~ There are times even in mid summer peak water temps that muskies don't want a fast "take it away from them" figure 8. Those that are slow to adapt will miss out on fish.. ;o)
~ never give up on a fish you think you can trigger...had some eat after no less than 2 minutes...#*^@ were my shoulders sore
~ LOTW rocks... why haven't I been going there every year? but be sure to take a mosquito suit next year to keep the biting flys off my legs when I want to take a nap in the boat at noon!
~ when fishing really sucks in MN, don't fight it...punt and go to your buddys place and drink beer!
Edited by BNelson 12/7/2011 3:04 PM
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Posts: 8835
| BNelson - 12/7/2011 3:00 PM
~ There are times even in mid summer peak water temps that muskies don't want a fast "take it away from them" figure 8. Those that are slow to adapt will miss out on fish.. ;o)
[...]
Worth repeating, that is. Had a few this year that I like to say "missed the bait", but the truth is I took it away from them and they gave up trying to catch it. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I watched my partner on LOTW screw up quite a few until he saw me cleaning up behind him before he got wise..... ;o) fisherman to remain nameless... |
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| Lure and color dont matter as much as you think, if they are gonna eat they are gonna eat |
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Posts: 1348
Location: Pewaukee, WI | For me, Musky fishing has accounted for more good friendships then fish, but I have no complaints nor wish it were the other way around. |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I like muskie fishing as much as I ever did. So does Sue.
Muskie fishermen, on the whole, are pretty nice folks
Like ghoti said, life is short, not going to waste any of it on those who ain't
Muskies still eat creatures
A 17' boat is plenty
Summer is short, Fall is shorter, and I won't miss either. Ice is here! |
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| Fish are some finicky critters. |
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Posts: 743
| When you have a good thing going don't jinx yourself by opening up your mouth. Like when fishing with someone ,who has yet to put a 50 in the boat and has just lost his umpteenth one. Don't say,"I can't remember the last musky I lost that I had on". Since that time I have lost 7 out of 18 I've had on and a couple of them were BIG. It probably didn't help much that the 3rd guy in the boat and I busted out laughing when he lost it. |
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Posts: 720
| Fish today because tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. |
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Posts: 94
| I learned a few things this year. I am not a troller up untillthis year when I learned to troll a little lake and had very good action. I know know a few ways to trigger fish when you see them on the graph with a buddy of mine who also doesn't troll. Took most of the year to learn a 3 new lakes that really produced well for me. Met two friends last fall that I got to spend time with this year out in the boat and learned a lot from them and they have become pretty good friends. Thanks Matt. Also learned to be careful of what you tell some people cause word of mouth travels fast. Over all second best season I have had fish catching wise and its not over yet. |
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| I learned that it is easier to get stuck in a rut than I would have thought.
I learned that the quicker you adjust your presentation to the fishing conditions...the more fish you will catch.
I learned that black flies like Brad Nelson a heck of a lot more than they like me.
I learned that some years the fishing is just going to be tougher than others and there is not much that can be done to change that.
I learned that "limited time on the water" is relevant to the angler...I guess.
The time invested fishing with friends/family is much more important than catching a muskie.
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Location: Contrarian Island | the flys didn't like that circa 1992 Polo cologne!!
~ Late/cold springs definitely suck. Muskies were in a funk as most anglers I know had their worst years for big fish...unless you had "limited time on the water"..bwaahahahahaa.
~ I agree, w Brett, learned to always think outside the box and keep your mind open to new spots and tactics...
Edited by BNelson 12/8/2011 10:03 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | cologne on a boat in Canada with dudes ... hmmmmmmmmm |
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Posts: 1039
| I learned that fish still eat, even during a bad year.
I learned to change tactics when they aren't eating on last year's patterns.
I learned that you can make some great friendships off of muskie forums. |
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| jonnysled - 12/8/2011 10:16 AM
cologne on a boat in Canada with dudes ... hmmmmmmmmm
Does that really surprise you with Nelly???? |
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Location: Contrarian Island | i was kidding you morons! |
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| I learned that looking at the lake from the deep to shallow is better. It's ok to cast in 40-90 feet of water if the humminbird shows life. That my left hand cast is better then my right cast ( I'm right handed) need to work on my right hand cast. I should invite more friends on to the boat and share time on the water. Get out of the Twin cities and go North more. Stop buying more lures I have enough to fish with. I love my Ranger over my old duck boat. Looking forward to next season. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | The guy at the bait store keeps telling me that I need a longer Rod, and a stiffer Rod, and I need a Magnum, wait a minute my wife keeps telling me that to. LOL LOL LOL  |
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Posts: 182
Location: musky waters of SE, WI | The weeds are always greener on the other side of the lake |
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Posts: 324
Location: Waukee, IA | I learned that actually spending time on the water targeting muskies DRASTICALLY improves my chances of catching one.
Caught the most and biggest of my career so far this past year!
I learned that my 15 year old triplets are turning into pretty darn good fishermen/Fisherwomen.
I learned I better change my tactics or they are going to start catching more fish than me...can't let that happen! LOL
I learned that having good friends out on the water with you, chucking wood, plastic, hair, rubber, you name it....is a very precious and wonderful way to spend time. Thanks Hopper!!!
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Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | Having patience and not trying to force things to happen. I enjoyed this year more so than in previous ones. Maybe its just i'm getting older. Cant wait for next spring... |
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Posts: 540
| still wish I had more money! |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Good Spots are still good Spots,......................... and sometimes fish arn't where you think they are,..... their where they want to be.......... Pretty deep. Hugh ??
Jerome |
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Posts: 159
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Learned its possible to catch a fish on a Bulldawg in deeper water than I am used to fishing.
Also learned that when the boat and truck work without any major issues its a great trip/vacation regardless of size/numbers of fish caught.
For the third straight year had a huge repair bill--this time the truck--last time the boat.
Learned when a fish dies after being deep hooked--it ruins the whole experience---caught a personal best on a STR that ate the whole thing deep----no chance of surviving even with care, experience, and all the tools handy.
Learned a lot of humility again as I was not able to break the 50 inch mark with some quality time on trophy water.
Saw my brother in-law catch his PB---the best part of the trip---really humble, nice guy who doesn't fish Musky's all that much---made him walk on air the rest of the trip.
Learned not to grill on the deck without closing the bottom vents after cooking---had a deck fire that could have destroyed the whole cabin--thanking God for His grace that just a small part of the deck got burned.
Above mentioned brother in -law took a half day and rebuilt it good as new.
Edited by Storm Strike 12/9/2011 8:30 PM
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Posts: 8
| 1st - don't be afraid to try something new. TROLLING!!!! Go away from what's normal or comfortable for you and your fishing buddies. I have been casting at muskies for years and finally made myself troll for them. The results were amazing!!!! Some say it's the lasy mans way of fishing but I'll take it any day when casting doesn't seem to be paying off or the bait fish have moved away from the structure they were holding. 2nd- It's more than just pulling a lure behind your boat. You may struggle at first but don't give up!!!! Stay on the bait fish! The end results will change the way you feel about trolling and make you a better fisherman. 3rd - Get a huge net, you will be surprised of the size of muskies you will catch while trolling. 4th-Buy the best rod holders (down-east/folbe) depending on the speed in which you troll. The others will cost you muskies, memories and pictures. 5th-Also, quit waking your wife up to show her pictures in the middle of the night of muskies you took pictures of. Sometimes, it takes years to realize but really all they care about is their kids, their kids, and ZZZZZ's. So just enjoy the memories you made and take plenty of pictures of the fish you released!!!! |
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | night fishing can be almost unbearable with mosquitos. ill be getting a thermacell for the boat next year. can do well with double 8 bucktails instead of throwing 10's |
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| Guest - 12/8/2011 10:28 AM
jonnysled - 12/8/2011 10:16 AM
cologne on a boat in Canada with dudes ... hmmmmmmmmm
Does that really surprise you with Nelly????
The bigger question would be, did they take part in the BBQ sauce ritual? |
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Posts: 20255
Location: oswego, il | Don't put alka seltzer in your beer unless you plan on drinking the entire thing as foam. |
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Posts: 719
| I learned just today, that you should have fuses ready 'outside' of the frozen shut compartment where the tool box lays in case one goes. And that water in the 30's poured on the edges will only make it worse. |
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Posts: 2383
Location: Chisholm, MN | I learned that you have to be just as good fishing at night as during the day. Actually you have to be better to really be successful. Boat control, casting, figure 8 s all need to be good. For a while I kind of thought fishing at night automatically meant catching fish, but NO! Gotta do it right
Edited by Kirby Budrow 12/13/2011 9:08 PM
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| Not to go hard until the fall |
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Location: Sawyer County, WI | Don't bother fishing the weekend of the local Muskies Inc. tournament on my "home" lake. Never have I encountered so many anglers (and more than a few inconsiderate) in a three day stretch. |
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | I learned what damage large fish can to a persons body if one isn't careful. I tore up my left shoulder fighting a super-charged 40 lb Wahoo off the Puerto Rico coast in March. (I had to horse her in before the Tiger sharks took her.) Then I worsened the situation doing battle with a number of good sized fish this summer and had to shut things down early this fall. Along the way I learned that I have "moderate" athritus in the shoulder and that, of course, compounds the problem. So, now its physical therapy this winter and hopefully I'll be ready to go again by the June opener.
I'm not liking this getting older thing...
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Posts: 62
| MN is really pressured |
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Posts: 172
| i learned muskie god REALLY dont want me to boated any 50ers. but they are fine with me losing them at boat side repeatedly
alway have positive attitude no matter what the condition is. in past i alway get crabby when its flat hot blue skies that changed when i put my best buddy on his first 2 muskie of his life in that condition, which i also learned alway go fishing no matter what condition is , everyday is a learning process that how make us a better fisherman.
funny thing is i start off catching 37s" as first of the year and finish with 46" of the year 3 year in row. |
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Posts: 8835
| Fish don't care what the weather is like. A "perfect" pre-frontal day with low clouds and a light chop can suck. A "crappy" day with bright sun and no wind can be great.
I'll still take the "perfect" day if given a choice, but my 3 biggest fish have come on days when you'd expect the fishing to be bad, and some of my worst days have been the kind of weather we all hope for. |
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Posts: 802
| -The difference controlling a fish with a 9' rod compared to an 8' rod is amaaaazing!
-if you're not sharing a boat with some of the guys from the board, you're missing out. I fished with 2 real good sticks and make 2 new friends.
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Posts: 20255
Location: oswego, il | There can be just one other boat on the lake and that person will cut me off! I am for some reason a magnet for #$$holez.
Where you fish can make you a hero o e year and a zero the next. Some places can do that with the change of a season. |
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Posts: 62
| MN is too pressured |
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Posts: 720
| Todd,
Doesn't it say "Magnet for great person's" on your buisness card? |
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| I learned that pressure in Minnesota is waaay exagerated. FISH BETTER!!!! |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | nice game Kyle ... can't believe the Bears didn't sign you. |
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | bears would be in the playoffs if KC wouldn`t of got him first,they had first shot at him |
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Posts: 2383
Location: Chisholm, MN | Pressure in MN can be overcome but its still pretty annoying that every spot on a small wilderness lake has someone on it opening day. Nothing I can do about it but fish through it and wait for the night bite. |
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2011 What did you learn?