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Posts: 31
Location: Oshkosh,WI | This is not my cup of tea...Muskie Fishing that is. But I must get involved a little bit due to having so many people around me that muskie fish. I have 1 rod that I have acclaimed from The Greatest Muskie Fisherman I know Steven (Big Fish Boss Man) Worral. It has no line but I do have a few baits that I won from the poolside demo to attach.
So, what I need to know is what I need (and maybe someone else could use this info) to get started in the muskie hunting world. What type of line should I start with? What kind of leaders? What type of baits? When do I use certain baits? Are there any accessories that I must have? Are there certain rods that should be used for a specific type of bait?
I would appreciate any type of information you guys could give me. I think this post could be very helpful to many newbee Muskie anglers. This sport is nothing like panfishing in that you need to know alot more just to even locate the fish; more or less catch them. There are some of the best musky anglers in the World on this site and who else to learn from but the best!
Thanks for all your help! Who knows maybe instead of catching these fish by accident I may be able to land one by means by the end of the summer.
Good luck to all this season and keep those lines tight! <*(((<{{
Mr.Bluegill
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Posts: 1137
Location: Holly, MI | Bluegill, It is east to make a small fortune becomming a musky fisherman...
Start with a large fortune..Buy evrything you will need to musky fish..ta-da..you now have a small fortune!
Read the posts for peoples favorite lures, lines etc. tons of great info on this site. | |
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Posts: 1462
Location: Davenport, IA | For line a good place to start is any good superline in 50-100 lb test. Tuff line, powerpro, and whiplash are a few good ones. Leaders are kinda open. Just make sure its strong. If you can break it with your hands its probobly not strong enough. There are mono, flourocarbon, single strand, seven strand, titanium and other kinds of leaders. You said you have many people around you that fish for muskies. That should help you a lot by asking them questions and seeing what they do. | |
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Posts: 31
Location: Oshkosh,WI | The people that are around me are you guys...and thats who I am asking for help from. I dont have the opportunity to talk one on one to anyone so I figured this would be the best way to ask. Thanks so far! | |
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Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | Bluegill, I've got into this about 3 years ago, so I'll give you my recommendations. Keep in mind these are only my opinions; that's partly what makes musky fishing fun, there are many ways to get the job done. But I can tell you from experience there are purchasing mistakes to be made and usually it's better to get quality equipment since this kind of fishing is hard on tackle. Spending a small fortune is quite possible, so probably everyone here would be glad about your interest but cry with you over budget. I'll try to hit the main items: Knowledge: You found this web site, and there are other good ones too. Keep asking questions and learning. Magazines like Musky Hunter and Esox Angler and Muskies, Inc. can help a lot. Also, find a local chapter to join and make some friends there. Makes it all more fun. Places to buy: You may be lucky enough to live in WI or MN, but I got most of my stuff from Rollie & Helen's, www.muskyshop.com, or Thorn Bros., www.thornebros.com. Also, keep an eye on the trade boards on these sites for some great deals, or post what you need. EBay has some deals too, but don't overbid. Rod(s): You can try going for one "all-around combo" as I did in the beginning, but it doesn't take long to realize it's nice to have some different combos for specific baits (bucktails, big gliders, etc.). One rod is possible, but you probably can't throw the really big glide baits. For one rod: GLoomis, MUR844C-MB Muskie rod, 84" (7'). or St. Croix Premiere, Model PM72MHF, Length 7'2". If you want two rods to start, I'd recommend a St. Croix 6'9" jerk bait rod, Model PM69HF and then a 7'6" versatile heavy bucktail rod like the St. Croix Model PM76MHF. Reel(s): If you can afford it, Shimano Calcutta 400. Or you can save some initial $ and get Abu Garcia 6500 C4 or Cabela's version 6600 CB. I've been using the Cabela's version and like it. Line: 80# Power Pro. Leaders and snaps: Lots of options here. I've been using Terminator titanium leaders or similar ones at www.leadersforless.com and they last forever without kinking up. If you fish a lot of timber, you can cry when you snag up a crankbait and also an expensive leader and lose it. Most any style will work in a heavy leader, one argument is the snap. Some anglers use only split rings to insure solid connection that won't fail, others swear buy different snap brands. I prefer the Stringease snaps for ease of use and they seem to have a good design so they won't pop open. Lures: The fun part! So many posts on this it's not even funny, and I can't really pretend to give you a "go-to" list. Still, I can't resist recommending a handful for different situations: Surface: Bucher TopRaider, Poe's Giant Jackpot, Slammer Creeper; Bucktails: Buchertail 700, a Dorazio Boo Tail and a baby Boo Tail, Crankbaits (1 straight, 1 jointed): Bucher DepthRaider, and a Drifter Tackle 8" Believer; Jerkbaits and gliders: a 9" Suick (weighted or unweighted depending on if you fish over weeds), Anettail Undertaker or Fudally 6" ReefHawg; Plastics: Musky Innovations Bull Dawg and Lindy Tiger Tube. You don't have to have all of these to start, but you will get 'em eventually <g>. Polarized sunglasses: muskies follow, and I guess seeing them is almost as fun as catching them <g>, at least seeing them helps in catching them. Cabela's has some decent ones for $30, or you can spend much more for nice glass ones, Maui Jim's or Ocean Waves. Net: you want a nice size net as a holding pen for the fish. This site and others emphasize the importance of Catch & Release to the sport and anything that takes better care of the fish to insure successful release is critical since it takes many years for a musky to get good size. A treated bag will help hooks not get gnarled up. Beckman Husky Musky or Frabill Power Catch are good place to start. They make bigger ones too. Release tools: 10" needle nose pliers, some good bolt cutters for quickly cutting hooks, Baker 9.5" Hook Remover, Baker 6" mouth spreaders. You'll be glad you have these when trying to quickly unhook that big musky from the Suick she ate. First aid kit: in case the worst happens. Some at Wal-Mart or make your own (related topic posted recently). Poloroid or some kind of camera: you want those memories for later! If you fish alone, consider a tripod and a camera with a timer. Do a few shots in the boat to get a fixed location that works. Sorry for the long post! Hope this helps get you started on something you will enjoy for many years to come! | |
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Posts: 5874
| Gill,
Just to get you started out, here is what I reccomend. Tuff-Line or Tuff Line XP, 50 or 80#. Oh, wait. First you need a reel. Good solid reel is the 6500C3. Or a step up may be the C5. C5 doesn't have the clickker, but does have thumb bar free spool. For jerk and twitch baits, I like a 9" solid leader. I am going to 80# flouro for my bucktail leaders this year. Making my own, and using good ball bearing swivels and snaps.
Hope this helps. | |
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Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | Good call on the C5, Shep. That would be most versatile since it has 5:1 ratio and a thumb bar. Now if they would only make a lefty model!  | |
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Posts: 941
Location: Freedom, WI | MrBluegill Join a local club that have regular meetings, lots of dedicated people there. For you south is Winnabagoland in Fondy, north is C&R Musky club. C&Rs meetings are the first tuesday of the month. April 1st meeting we will have Bill Schwartz from Slammer Tackle as a guest. They are held at Perks supper club in Medina at 7PM. Not sure when Winnabagolands is.
Roger | |
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Posts: 32954
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | You also need to get a few days on the water with a dedicated muskie addict. I volunteer!! | |
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Posts: 31
Location: Oshkosh,WI | Keep the info coming guys!!! I am taking notes! This is also a great help for some of some new people that I have introduced to the site as well as beginning muskie fisherman! As far as joining a club, oh boy.....I dont even have enough time to eat some days. For right now I will take the info from here and hopefully Mr.Big Fish Worral can learn me a few things this summer if we can ever hook up. I know both of us run a busy schedule! But when it comes time to fishing I hope we can both put our priorities in order. Fishing comes First. Right Steve?
Though SO!
Mr.Bluegill | |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Troy the first thing you need is a empty credit card. LOL. On a serious note I would take up Steves offer. Also I would keep in touch with him on what you need. He won't steer you wrong. | |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Musky Fishing For the “Newbie”
Listed below is a quick overview of what I feel a beginner musky fisherman should do before hitting the water. These are listed in order of importance (In my eyes).
1. Obtain Knowledge
Learning as much as you can before ever hitting the water can greatly increase your chances of boating a musky, and making the learning curve much smaller. Of course there are exceptions for those who were born lucky! I suggest reading a few publications before you buy some equipment, and hit the water with dreams of muskies swimming in your head. A very good book for a beginner to read would be “The Complete Guide to Musky Hunting” by Jim Saric and Steve Heiting. The book goes through what equipment a person should have, a “must have” list of lures, various presentations that can be used, etc... Magazines such as Esox Angler and Musky Hunter also contain very good articles specifically for musky fishing.
Ask a ton of questions on the musky boards. Very good sticks are present on these boards, and are pretty willing to give out a lot of information.
I feel that if you do this step first you will minimize on buying “inferior” tackle.
2. Tackle
Reels and Line- There are a ton out there for musky fishing, but buy something that is cost effective for you. Abu Garcia Ambassadur 6500C3 is a very good, yet relatively cheap reel. Very easy to maintain yourself also. Spool the reel up with some type of superbraid. Power Pro and Tuff Line is generally what I use. Make sure to get at least 65# Power Pro to eliminate line breakage during backlashes. I use mostly 65# on all my set-ups. Be sure to spool some backing on the reel first before the superline to eliminate line slippage on the spool. Connect your backing to your superline with a good bloodknot. I like to use at least 30# mono for backing.
Rods- Once again there are a ton, but here I would tend to spend a little more money. St. Croix Premiere’s are great for the beginner, but if you intend on seriously musky fishing for a couple of years I would recommend the St. Croix Avid series, or any G-Loomis series. These are rods are more expensive, but are a lot lighter and are guaranteed for life. Shorter rods (6’9” to 7’) in the heavy action are the norm for jerkbaits and some crankbaits, while longer rods (7’6” +) with a medium heavy action are preferred for bucktails, topwater, and some crankbaits. The last couple of years has seen the longer rods being more popular.
Lures- Every musky fisherman’s money pit! However for the beginner I would keep it simple in the beginning. Listed below are what I would suggest:
Bucktails: Mepps Musky Killers & Eagle Tails
Topwater: Husky Hawg Wobbler (black), Topraider, and Giant Jackpots
Jerkbaits: Squirrelly Burts, Undertakers, and 6” Phantoms
Crankbaits: All of them! Depthraiders (straight), Shallowraiders (Jointed), Ciscokids, Bagley DB06 & DB08, Jakes (8” and 10”), Ernies, and TripleD. I could go on and on here because I simply love cranks, but these are some pretty easy ones to use.
3. Misc.
Polarized sunglasses, long needle nose pliers, jaw spreaders, heavy bolt cutters, file (hook sharpener), raingear, net (don’t be cheap here! Recommend Frabill Big Game with coating), fishing glue, spare hooks, spare split rings.
Leaders – Any leader will do as long as the components are quality. Personally I make my own out of single strand wire in the 90-120# range. These leaders are 6-8” long, and have loops on each end. I attach all lures with split rings.
This is just a quick overview of things I feel are needed. I’m sure I missed a ton, but I will add them as I think of them. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Troy let me know if you want to hook up on Roberts some day, and I can show you what I know.
Edited by CiscoKid 3/24/2003 3:55 PM
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Posts: 131
Location: Kalamazoo, MI | Just to keep things moderately simple, I will give my opinions on a one rig setup. Ive only been at this since last august, so I am certainly less 'in the know' than most of the guys here, but I digress.
Rod: St Croix PC66HF
Reel: Abu Garcia C36501 or C45601
Line: 65lb Power Pro
Leader: 12" 7-strand tied leader with good hardware (bucher, baitrigs, etc)
Lures: Bucktail, Baby Shallow Raider, Baby Depth Raider, and something for surface.
Misc: Hookouts, bolt cutters, good net.
Sidenotes, Im only 5'11", so I like shorter rods than most. If you are taller, you may prefer a longer rod. The heavy action st croix (non musky series) is plenty stout to toss lures up to 2oz with no problems at all. I prefer the handle style on the premier casting over the premier musky casting. I also prefer the smaller reels and left handed reels (56xx). I have never been in a situation that needed more than 100yrds of line when musky fishing. Then again, I spend 95% of my time casting, not trolling. If you do a lot of trolling, the 65xx series would probably be the way to go. The C4 is a great reel for bucktails, and smaller crankbaits, but if you plan to throw lots of big crankbaits, it will give you a workout on the water. In that case, the C3 with its lower gear ratio would probably be better suited. 65lb power pro seems to be a very nice blend between brutal strength and castability. The 50lb is just a bit thin if you plan to cast really big lures. I prefer 7-strand leaders, as I feel they give most of the lures I like to fish with better action than single strand. If you plan to use lots of jerkbaits and gliders, single strand may be the way to go. The hookouts are great for popping most hooks, and those that cant be easily extracted, just cut with the bolt cutters for a quick release.
Theres my $.02, hope it helps. | |
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Posts: 31
Location: Oshkosh,WI | As everyone is my witness STEVE WORRAL I repeat STEVE WORRAL has offered to take me muskie fishing! I will keep you informed on this sought after event. hahahaha
I thank all who have contributed to this post. I have taken a few notes and will run with them. Like I said I am not sure if I want to take this sport on as much as I would like, but having a good group of people like yourselves around I would like to be able to at least know a little if I get out with any of you....Thanks agiain!
Good Luck At the Cave!
Mr.Bluegill
Edited by MrBluegill 3/24/2003 11:44 PM
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Posts: 32954
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Troy, We need to get the Pike fillet video shot for next Fall, anyway, so get your fanny up here as soon as the muskie season opens, stay at the Hideout, and stick a 'ski or three! OR, maybe you could net mine... | |
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Posts: 19
Location: Oshkosh,WI | Steve,
As soon as opener comes around lets do this pike video. You can show me hoe to catch a few sharks, and I will show you how to catch bait!(bluegills). Have fun at the Cave! Talk to you when you get back!
Troy | |
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WHAT DO I NEED?????