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Posts: 149
| If you could give one nugget of advice on muskie fishing to a totally new guy, what would it be? |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Worry more about boat control, time on the water, learning how and when to use the baits you have, and join MI (huge knowledge source there)
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Posts: 243
| Definitely get in the boat with someone with some experience right away. Will cut your learning curve down dramatically. Hiring a guide can be a great investment, especially early on. I look at the amount of time I wasted my first couple of years because I tried to learn everything myself. With all of the info about the sport out there now, it's much easier to get started and be efficient on the water. |
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Posts: 149
| I have hired a guide for this fall, and if it goes well I will probably do it again in the spring just so I can get a handle on some different strategies for different seasons. I have devoured every piece of info I can get my hands on over the past couple months. This site is a huge resource full of very knowledgeable fishermen and tons of information. I have also subscribed to Musky Hunter magazine, but I know nothing replaces time on the water (I also recently finished "Time on the Water", btw) as far as speeding up the learning curve. |
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Posts: 1530
| get hooked up with other musky guys. share gas and ramp fees. you will be amazed at what you can learn. most guys were multi specie fisherman before musky hunting. now my nugget ...PATIENCE |
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Posts: 667
Location: Roscoe IL | It's supposed to fun, just remeber this when your fishing all day and lose the one and only at the net if you even get one to go. Cheap equipement will break eventualy and cost you more in the long run. Autopilots and muskie fishing were made for each other. Topwaters work year round. Suckers in the fall are tough to beat. Did I say keep it fun and attitude is everything?
Edited by ToothyCritter 8/20/2012 12:31 PM
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Posts: 171
Location: indiana | don't do it |
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Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota. | Maybe read this topic...in case you get brave.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=76...
Don't buy one of every lure out there...yet...that'll probably come too soon anyway.
Get a large -LARGE/DEEP net. Tools. Get those hooks out before you reach into the bag.
Slow down and use common sense. Slow down some more.
A muskie hasn't had an orig. idea in over a million years. Don't get too down-trodden if you don't connect.
Lastly don't try to figure 'em out, they're worse than wom.......aww nevermind!
*G* |
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Posts: 81
| Musky fishing is going to cost you a ton of money, tons of heart break and it will test you like you've never been tested before.
You might want to take up horseshoes.
I'm not kidding.....
But if you insist, join a musky club and get to know the guys and gals that have been fishing muskies for a while and search for an open seat in their boat. Also, don't be afraid to ask direct questions on this forum.
Dew
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | Network, network, and then network some more. Join a local Chapter of Muskies Inc, ask lots of questions and pay attention. Spend as much time as you can in a boat with different anglers. Learn how fish act during different times fo the season. helps shorten the learning curve. Seek advice on tackle and equipment and stick to an inital group of proven baits -- then learn how to use them properly and when to use them. |
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| If you fish a bit, it should not be too hard to adjust. Just get comfortabel handling and releasing the fish. Also you don't need to spend a bunch of money either. It only takes one lure and set up to catch fish. BR |
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Posts: 233
Location: Iowa | Quit, while your ahead. 
Jeremy |
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Posts: 86
Location: colorado | get a second on your house and dont worry about your wife. she will be gone in no time.
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Posts: 265
Location: Manitowish Waters WI | No reason to get crazed or afraid to spend a little money. It's a great species and if you start small with your arsenal and one good all purpose rod you can get a great feel for the sport. You don't need to drop thousands right off the get go. Like others stated hook up with someone to show you the basics. You'll learn plenty on your own, which is the best part, all guys use and prefer different tactics.
Read too, there's a ton out there from catching to releasing.
Edited by esox1980 8/20/2012 3:53 PM
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| Statistics show- over 70% of muskie fisherman get divorced- Your chances of getting a world record fish is 0%- By the time you have everything boat, motor tackle you will have spent well over $100,000- 90% chance of getting regular leg cramps- 100% chance of developing a bad back-80 % chance of becoming an alcoholic- 0 % chance of saving money for your retirement-100% chance of having a lot of fun along the way!!!!!!!!!! |
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Posts: 1220
| One thing? I guess it would be the Musky Hunter, University of Esox musky school.
Can't think of another thing that would give you such a "baptism" of exposure. (If it were two things...I'd also suggest a shrink, you're gonna need one) |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | "My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"
-Bluto Blutarsky |
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Posts: 246
| Welcome to the addiction. |
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Location: Illinois | These fish can humble even the most experienced anglers, so be prepared for that. Despite this fact , always TRY to keep a positive musky attitude(PMA).
You can never have "too many" musky lures. The key is like everything else: use moderation and spend within your means. If you frequent this place for too long, you'll notice different forms of moderation. NOT that there's anything wrong with that. 
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | Flambeauski - 8/20/2012 5:41 PM
"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"
-Bluto Blutarsky
love it flam....one of my favorite movies..
WHAT IT THAT ON YOUR UNiFORM
vegetables are sensual people are sensuous
NOTHING IS OVER TILL WE DECIDE IT IS!!!!
FOOOD FIIIGHT
Edited by archerynut36 8/20/2012 6:31 PM
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | Don't take it too seriously, and when you get that "I'm never going to see another muskie" feeling, keep casting. |
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Posts: 93
| Go fish for bluegills. |
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Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | I was very fortunate to have a very close and dear friend who introduced me to this great sport 10-years ago. He taught me the ins-outs of bait selection, presentation and rods-reels selections. My friend has enough tackle to open his own bait shop and always has stayed up on the news of muskie fishing. As a former guide from years ago he is quite a excellent stick to learn from. He has taught me several things but the most important gift he taught me with regards to Muskie fishing is, patience. Thank you Clark Anderson! |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Ditto- don't take it seriously! If you do you will look like all of the rest of us obsessed muskie fisherman. - Haggard, sleepless, and poor! Don't expect them to hit like bass or northern pike, hell don't even expect them to hit if they follow to the boat! That's really the allure of this fish!
Have fun! Actually, run away, run away!
Al |
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Posts: 133
Location: South Bend, Indiana | Hire a guide multiple times... I'm almost three years into this sport, and everytime I go with Mike Hulbert, I learn so much more... Hire one in various times of the year to learn fish patterns and techniques... To me, that's the biggest thing, learn from the absolute best! |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | give it up befor your hooked start fishing for bass cheaper in the long run |
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Posts: 149
| Awesome thread, guys! Thanks for the advice and keep it coming! |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | if the first thing someone tells you is how to rebuild them or how great their customer service is ... just buy a st. croix and a calcutta in the first place. it will save you time, money, aggregation and likely a few fish. |
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| Figure 8 EVERY time
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Posts: 66
| Quit now. or just start hating yourself in some way to break yourself in for the heartbreak. hahahah |
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Posts: 553
Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid | Get a job where you make at least six figures but don't have to work from July-November. |
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| Get several good books on the subject, and study them. This helps at any endeavor. Saric and Heiting's "Guide To Musky Hunting" (or some such name) is a good starter. Tony Rizzo's "Secrets of A Muskie Guide" (1), and Dick Pearson's "Muskies On The Shield" are recommended. Be careful with the costs. Don't buy anything because it is cheap, but don't spend your fortune on a fish. Don't go out without a net adequate to the task of boating a muskie--a pike size net will not do. If possible, go out with someone who is experienced. |
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Posts: 149
| The Swan - 8/21/2012 8:54 AM
Get several good books on the subject, and study them. This helps at any endeavor. Saric and Heiting's "Guide To Musky Hunting" (or some such name) is a good starter. Tony Rizzo's "Secrets of A Muskie Guide" (1), and Dick Pearson's "Muskies On The Shield" are recommended. Be careful with the costs. Don't buy anything because it is cheap, but don't spend your fortune on a fish. Don't go out without a net adequate to the task of boating a muskie--a pike size net will not do. If possible, go out with someone who is experienced.
I have read "Time on the Water" and some back issues of Musky Hunter. I am actually going to my local library this week to see if they can order the very books you mentioned. I would love to buy them, but they are 20-25$ each, and I could buy a net or even a rod for the price of 4 or 5 books. May as well try to cut some costs somewhere; apparently I have gotten myself into quite the expensive addiction! |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Highest end stuff on the planet is worthless if you don't have the knowledge to use it correctly. Don't go cheap on the terminal tackle, leaders, hooks, line, reels, rods, hook cutters. Like it was said many times, 5 or so good lures and the knowledge to get the most out of those lures is all you need. |
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Posts: 410
Location: one foot over the line | if at first you don't succeed, cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast, drink a beer, cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast cast. repeat. |
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Posts: 559
| CHIPVET - 8/20/2012 4:26 PM
Statistics show- over 70% of muskie fisherman get divorced- Your chances of getting a world record fish is 0%- By the time you have everything boat, motor tackle you will have spent well over $100,000- 90% chance of getting regular leg cramps- 100% chance of developing a bad back-80 % chance of becoming an alcoholic- 0 % chance of saving money for your retirement-100% chance of having a lot of fun along the way!!!!!!!!!! I want to fish with this guy |
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Posts: 40
| I've been musky fishing about 8 years now and finally hired a guide this spring where I fish a lot. Should have done it years ago. Try to pick their brain while your out there about other times of year and techniques that have worked. Also watch how they work a boat along break lines. And how to work baits to get most strikes. 2nd advise. Get ready to fish for days while learning without getting a fish in the boat and just keep casting. Lastly learn how to figure 8 and do it every single time!
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Posts: 617
Location: Clintonville, WI | If you haven't already, tell the guide you've hired WHY you have hired him......i.e. you are new to the sport and that you want to learn things beyond fishing with him for that day. Other than learning the places you fish, ask questions about everything else too; everything from knots he uses to why you are fishing where you are at this time of year. |
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Posts: 149
| BigMo - 8/23/2012 12:45 PM
If you haven't already, tell the guide you've hired WHY you have hired him......i.e. you are new to the sport and that you want to learn things beyond fishing with him for that day. Other than learning the places you fish, ask questions about everything else too; everything from knots he uses to why you are fishing where you are at this time of year.
I have a trip planned with Chad Cain. I'm not sure if I will be with him or one of his guides, but I plan on learning all I can learn about muskie fishing that day. Spots, techniques, knots, boat control, lures, rods, reels, line, nets, patterns, etc. I hope whoever the guide is has some patience! |
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Posts: 553
Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid | You will be with Chad or Scott Donovan; either way you will more than you can absorb in 8 hours. Both are excellent fisherman and you will have a good time in their boat. In that time frame you are almost guaranteed to have a shot at a fish. |
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Posts: 785
| Getting a guide was a good move. As a mostly self taught muskie guy I'd say don't get caught in the thinking of magic lures/magic spots. The most important aspects of muskie fishing are basics; understanding fish location. Followed by boat control, timing and being efficient on the water (making good casts/trolling runs consistently). Basically the stuff you hear the articles and dvd's harping on over and over... yeah it's for a reason. The best muskie fisherman are the best at presenting a good lure infront of the most fish for the longest period of time. Muskies are streaky and feeding windows are key. While you can possibly catch a fish 24 hours a day the best windows in any given day will typically be short, being on fish when that happens is key.
Also as mentioned in 12+ hours on the water you may only have one shot on some days so make it a habit to keep hooks sharp, visually inspect your leader/snaps/line/knots, etc. so when a chance does present itself you don't blow it. Lastly have a game plan figured ahead of time on how the fish will be netted and handled so your ready and the fish is handled with care. It took me awhile to get it (and nobody will ever truly "get it") but just being better at the basics is really what will make you a better muskie fisherman. Hope you tear em up this fall!
Edited by musky-skunk 8/23/2012 2:04 PM
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Posts: 149
| MuskyMATT7 - 8/23/2012 1:06 PM
You will be with Chad or Scott Donovan; either way you will more than you can absorb in 8 hours. Both are excellent fisherman and you will have a good time in their boat. In that time frame you are almost guaranteed to have a shot at a fish.
I hope you are right about having a shot at a fish. I can't wait. |
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Posts: 1360
Location: Lake "y" cause lake"x" got over fished | Just one that I didn't see added,
Take notes about where, when and how you are fishing the spots you fish..... Structer, the weather, time of day, air and water temp, wind, moon phases, water clarity, color of bait, size of bait, forage in the area (if you can see any). Did you see a fish, get a follow or catch a fish? How far off the bait they were, did they strike away or at the boat? What bait did you use, how fast did you reel it in... The list could go on forever. Anythering and everything you can possibly think of to write down... WRITE DOWN! You don't have to put fish in the net initially to start to figure out what works and when. You should see my logs about what and where, I am not sure how much I have but it is A LOT!. Studieing your own notes will shorten your learning curve also. Once you are able to study what works and when you contacted fish regardless of if you caught it, it will put more fish in your net in the long run.... Oh yeah, join MI, no better network out there of dedicated musky nuts.
But the most important thing is to just have fun, be patient and enjoy your time on the water.... there are a lot of people in the world that are not as lucky as you and I...
Welcom to the dark side...
Edited by FAT-SKI 8/24/2012 1:22 AM
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Location: Contrarian Island | throw big plastic (mag dawgs, medussas etc) and big double blades.... a lot... |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | I think before hiring a guide you should first fish with a few people that will let you use their stuff. Get an idea for what kind of techniques you prefer, and what tackle you like. Get a feel for if you like tossing jerkbaits, or burning bucktails. Maybe it’s tossing cranks. Don’t let someone tell you which method you like or should use. Determine for yourself which method you like. You can still practice other techniques, but by choosing the one you enjoy you will become very skilled at that one and much more efficient at it and put more fish in the net. Too many people try to chase other peoples techniques without fully understanding what or how to employ that tactic. By starting with what you enjoy your interest to learn and became better will be much higher than if you try to fish ways that just isn’t that fun for you.
Once you do the above then I agree with hiring a guide. However look for one that fishes the area you intend to make your home waters. If you are in MN and hire a guide there that is great. However if you live in WI, plan to fish WI, but hire a guide in MN simply because they put “X” number of fifties in the boat in the end you will not get the best bang for your buck. Sure you might catch a fish, and a big one, but the intent is to hire a guide to learn. You’ll learn how to fish that MN water body and quite frankly the same tactics may not work well on the home water you will be fishing. Also look for a guide that is adept or specializes in the tactic of choice that you found out you enjoy doing by fishing with others. If you discovered you really enjoy throwing crankbaits don’t hire someone that fishes a lot of shallow water. You would be better off finding someone that fishes suspended or deep breaks. You get the point.
I actually think a newcomer could benefit from not hiring a guide their first year or two. Get some time under your belt to determine how you enjoy fishing. Get comfortable with the simple things of casting, figure eighting, etc… so that you can concentrate on just learning when with a guide. Decide for yourself how you like fishing and pursue the appropriate guide. Actually spending some time learning on your own can be much more beneficial than trying to use someone else’s information as when times get tough you will need to know how to solve the problem of putting fish in the boat on your own.
If looking to get books I highly, highly recommend the new one by Tom Gelb named “Musky Strategy”.
If you have any interest in trying deep water, suspended type fishing in northern WI let me know.
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Posts: 1247
Location: On the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY | Keep record of every fish caught,use those records to go back and repeat durring the same conditions and time of year! |
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Posts: 26
| One thing... hmm.... Pick up key baits that are easy to work... like hmmm Musky Innovations Bulldawgs,ummm Top Raiders, Depth Raiders, get your core equipment? Watch some of the T.V. Shows out there and pay attention to what they say and do! Look up stuff, Ask QUESTIONS! Soon it'll come as second nature and you'll be helping people out asking the same questions! GOOD LUCK! |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | go out in the middle of the lake and start chukin baits ... |
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Posts: 149
| Thanks for all the great advice.....I am soaking it all up.
Spent some time on a local small lake that has muskies. Didn't catch a fish. Didn't even have a follow (that we know of.....water clarity is about 6-8 inches). I guess that means I am a real muskie fisherman now!
The lady at the bait shop told us we were the first ones she ever heard of who went out specifically seeking to catch a muskie. Every person I have talked to who fishes this lake has accidently caught a muskie while fishing for bass, crappie, channel cats, etc. So I know they are in there. I'm afraid the local fishermen may view them as a nuisance and kill them when they accidently catch them. I want to be the first one to catch one on purpose. |
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Posts: 8845
| 1. Believe half of what you read, and half of what people tell you. Your job is to figure out which half is BS.
2. Go where there are muskies. Cast muskie lures in the places where they are likely to be hiding.
3. There's no mystery or magic or voodoo required - it's a predatory fish. It's much like a bass or a walleye, except there just aren't as many of them, and they aren't always hungry.
4. There are distinct "feeding windows". That means you can cast for 6 hours, and see nothing, and then catch 3 fish in an hour. There are conditions that usually indicate that the fish should be active. Learn them. Then learn to ignore them.
5. Anybody who tells you they know when the fish are going to eat and why is full of crap.
6. You can go from zero to hero in a single cast.
7. These fish will drive even the most dedicated anglers crazy.
8. No matter how good you are (or think you are) the fish will prove otherwise.
9. Before you buy ANYTHING else, buy some quality release tools and a good net
10. It is better to own 10 lures and know how to work them, and where and when to throw them, it is to have hundreds of lures and not know what to do with them.
Yes, hire a guide. Don't just hire any guide. TALK to them first, and explain that you are just starting out. Fish with someone who is willing to teach, at your level, all day long.
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| Bring an extra roll of toilet paper with you. |
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Posts: 8845
| Guest - 9/11/2012 1:48 PM
Bring an extra roll of toilet paper with you.
Best advice yet!
Yeah, go ahead and laugh. But if you're out on the lake and you gotta go, and you don't have any TP? You ain't gonna enjoy the rest of your day much. |
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Posts: 515
Location: Ludington, MI | Sled nailed it. Do or do not. There is no try. |
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Posts: 16
| Give it up before you go " Insane"..............
and just remember you'll always be a "FIB"........... |
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Got any wisdom for a new guy?