Well:

Jessica is maybe a little too excited (me too, my biggest fish of the year in the boat). I measured the fish in the water at 53" and I thought it would be a low to mid 40 lb fish. It was very thick across the back and carried it's weight all the way to it's tail. Very nice big basin LOTWs muskie.

Jessica did a very nice job of fighting this fish! I nearly botched the netting job with the Jake being caught on the net when scooping and the fish on the outside of the net. Turned the net over (Big Kahuna) and managed to get the fish in the net. The fish had rolled on the leader and had the second hook of the Jake stuck way down in it's gills. It took a long time of careful work with hook cutters to get the fish free. She revived in the net and after a couple of very quick photo's she burst off. 

Very fun for me, to see someone who hasn't caught a big muskie get one!

Doug Johnson

Guest:

I'm trolling a Canadian shield lake, which is different than a small Wisconsin lake or a big open lake. I basically trolling structure along island shoreline in around 8'-15' of water with dips shallower and at times deeper. I rarely catch any fish over what would be considered "open water".

I troll at around 3.5-4 MPH, but I don't think that speed is real important in getting the fish to bite. More speed allows you to cover more water, and Jakes run well at that speed. The more water you cover the better chance to catch a fish. I use mostly 10" jakes, but did real well this year with the Musky Armor Krave. I adjust the length of line out so the lures will hit bottom at around 7'-8' feet. this is usually around 40' of line with a Jake, and around 30' with the Krave.

I also use Believers, Stalkers, and a few other things but 10" Jakes are my go-to.

This fish hit a 10" Jake on the outside rod in around 10' of water. Interesting that we had caught a 51"er a couple of weeks ago in almost the same spot.

Doug Johnson 

John:

A little depends on what part of the LOTWs you are headed for and if you want to cast or troll.

Generally in the dark water areas of the lake (Angle, Kenora, Morson, Nestor Fall) the best time for casting is from opening day till around mid August. However, as with most things that deal with mother nature it's still a bit of a guess. This year July was very slow, and early September was on fire. Depends lots on what the water temps and water clarity are doing. If you like to troll (lots harder than it sounds) than October is the time to come.

Most folks like to cast, and mid July is usually good

In the clear water areas (Whitefish, Clearwater, Big Stone, etc) Then I've have better luck a little later in the year and September has been good, but that's just me.

Probably not any real bad time to fish the LOTWs.

Good luck!

Doug Johnson