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| In reply to the stress of spawning and what not, should it be that natural bait be allowed earlier in the spring? Doing a research paper for school now on the effects of catch and release and the percentage of fish that die due to mortality from natural bait is almost 35% more than using artificial bait which is less than 2%. I'm not saying or radding on anyone or quite frankly not specifically generalizing at muskies. Just throwing out an idea if we are all worried about stress and mortality, why not look at how we fish and what baits we use? |
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Posts: 243
| Zolson - 5/4/2011 10:09 PM
In reply to the stress of spawning and what not, should it be that natural bait be allowed earlier in the spring? Doing a research paper for school now on the effects of catch and release and the percentage of fish that die due to mortality from natural bait is almost 35% more than using artificial bait which is less than 2%. I'm not saying or radding on anyone or quite frankly not specifically generalizing at muskies. Just throwing out an idea if we are all worried about stress and mortality, why not look at how we fish and what baits we use?
A mortality rate of 35% using quick strike rigs sounds very high. It might be best to define "using live bait" a little more clearly---sounds like single hook rigs must be counted in there to me. I catch a lot of my muskies on quick strikes every year and have never killed one that I know of. If the kill rate is 35%, I should have had many more floaters by now...
Wow, this thread has changed direction! |
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Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151 | Can't wait either as the boat is getting ready, should be done on time for Saturday morning. The pier didn't get in so I'll be like the rest of you at the launch, lunch will be a little different by the bloody's will taste the same.....
Bruce |
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Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Sam Ubl - 5/4/2011 10:44 AM
So how many are straying from the 'in spring, go small' mindset and opting for the 'go big or go home'? If the presence of bigger females making themselves vulnerable proves out, I'm going to plan on upsizing my aresenal assuming these fish will be looking for a bigger, easier meal.. Maybe I'll take that 9" Suick for a walk and break out the Mag Shallow Dawg for its first swim of the season.. I may even Weagle it :-O
To try and get back on track (sorry for making thread go astray to try and invoke some thought) I will go small for the MI opener next weekend since the water temps will be cold. Even after last years warmer spring the fish showed a strong preference to a 6" tube. Although perhaps it was just a pattern on that lake. I don't think you can go wrong with a tube early on regardless of temps. If that don't work I will be going back to my usualy stuff (8-10").
By the way, WTD topwater is NEVER a bad choice for an opener regardless of temps as well. 
Edited by CiscoKid 5/5/2011 6:58 AM
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Posts: 272
| I have learned that a 2-hook husky jerk is the best muskie bait ever made. A friend of mine used to say it was 4" tube jig. Both have their moments. Perhaps somewhat specific to the system I fish and their forage preference at times.
Likely I won't be using either of these baits on either of our openers, but I will be using smallish baits. |
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Posts: 19
| IM Musky Time - 5/5/2011 6:47 AM
Zolson - 5/4/2011 10:09 PM
In reply to the stress of spawning and what not, should it be that natural bait be allowed earlier in the spring? Doing a research paper for school now on the effects of catch and release and the percentage of fish that die due to mortality from natural bait is almost 35% more than using artificial bait which is less than 2%. I'm not saying or radding on anyone or quite frankly not specifically generalizing at muskies. Just throwing out an idea if we are all worried about stress and mortality, why not look at how we fish and what baits we use?
A mortality rate of 35% using quick strike rigs sounds very high. It might be best to define "using live bait" a little more clearly---sounds like single hook rigs must be counted in there to me. I catch a lot of my muskies on quick strikes every year and have never killed one that I know of. If the kill rate is 35%, I should have had many more floaters by now...
Wow, this thread has changed direction!
Just basing information from a article, like I said not directly linked to muskies just a general observation.
Ill be throwing my trusty undertaker gotta keep the streak alive |
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Posts: 218
| If it is a 35% increase in mortality and mortality is 2%, it is not an increase of even 1 fish for every 100 fish caught. |
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| 60% rain showers East winds 5-10mph highs in the mid 50s....I can roll with that. I plan on launching some casts off our pier at 12:02am.  |
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Posts: 999
| So i'd just target the big females that are done spawing allready and are up shallow to speed up there metabolism to put their feedbag on and recoupe. If you see a big female full of eggs hold your cast back and pick one out that is empty. Dont waste your time on those little ratty males that are still up there. |
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Posts: 457
| I'm an equal opportunity hook setter and try to give em all a good eye crossing. Hopefully the Quad County Hawg Hunters have a nice showing again this year, and everyone else has a safe and enjoyable opener.
Edited by chasintails 5/6/2011 3:05 PM
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Location: SE Wisconsin | The question now become, "Who will steal the Homepage photo with their opening day hawg?"... We'll see, good luck and stay courtious to your fellow anglers |
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Posts: 19
| Good luck cya on the water...its finally here! |
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