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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | Network with other Muskie enthusiasts before you spend a dime on equipment....
- The best decesion I ever made was to attend a meeting of the local Muskies Inc. Chapter. They answered all my questions, and invited me to go fishing with a club member - no strings atached. They took responsibility for me and taught me everything I needed to know about gear (rods, reels, lines, baits, leaders), safety (release tools and gloves and cutters), CPR (proper fish handling techniques) and my local waters (seasonal patterns, structure, fish movements, etc). I made a ton of new friends and am now an active member. $ for $, the minimal Muskie Inc membership fee is the best muskie investment I have made.
Jerry |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | The best lure is the one that is wet! This ties into the changing lure thing.
I don't care if you are in the right location (even though I do agree location is important). If you spend most of your limited time/day with your head in the box your chances at boating a fish are that much worse. I don't care if you throw a pig jerkbait (well ok that is going a bit far). That pig has a better chance of getting eaten when in the water then any other bait that you are currently pondering on whether you should put it on or not. |
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Posts: 344
Location: Musky Country | BOAT CONTROL!!!!! |
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Posts: 1289
Location: WI | There are no rules. No right lures for certain times of the day, season, lake, year, etc. Cast anywhere including away from structure.
Finish your casts! I may not do a F8 every cast, but I at least do an L turn. I've caught a lot of pike right at my feet while fishing from shore, and have had my biggest follow there as well. If I just plucked my lure out of the water my catches , or even just fish seen, would have gone down dramatically. |
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Posts: 1083
| Relax. Patience. Have fun. |
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Location: Illinois | Be a good partner to whomever you fish with. Enjoy the pursuit and never be discouraged. Follow DNR regulations. Respect the lake and the land surrounding it. Always be courteous to fellow boaters and lend a helping hand to those in need.
Okay, that was five things, but at least it was brief! |
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Posts: 29
Location: n.ireland | cover water more than once
fish move in and out |
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Posts: 327
| Keep bass fishing , it's cheaper !! HA !!
And if you get the chance to fish woth Captain Fuzzy and witness his Nut Rodeo ... take advantage of it !! You will have fun !!
Edited by RUMBLEFISH 2/13/2008 2:49 PM
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Posts: 158
Location: Burlington, WI | Presence of fish in relation to water temp and structure. I think Chad Cain wrote an article in an issue of Musky Hunter on this referring to their comfort zone. Maybe it was someone else, but I remember seeing the article. There is no sense in throwing bucktails over the weeds when all of the fish are 10 to 15 ft down. |
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Posts: 1046
| Turn around and fish off the opposite side of the boat, and have a blast! |
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Posts: 1536
Location: God's Country......USA..... Western Wisconsin | Keep that bait wet. |
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Posts: 101
| My one tip, and it took me a little bit to learn, but LEARN how to use your lures. The first video I watched was one with Pete M talking about your lures being tools, and the right tool for the right job. Knowing when, and how to throw a lure is most important. Also know "what" type of spot you are fishing is also important. If it's a rock pile 20 yards off shore, and you are 25 yards off throwing to shore most of that cast, and retrieve is wasted.
Also, one can never say it enough Figure 8!
~Dawg |
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Posts: 781
Location: Ames, Iowa | Good advice Musky Brian- I change my baits way too often- and move way too often.
Thanks,
djwilliams |
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Posts: 688
Location: Northern IL | Will,
You surprised me with that,,,, Why don't you come over to our winter seminar in March, it's good time and there are still a few of the Ole timers hanging around. That's worth the drive alone, just to get a few minutes with Vic Saunders who was right there in the early days and who's picture is all over the "Green book". Great guy and a lot stories.
Edited by jerryb 2/13/2008 9:09 PM
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Watch the small details and keep focused. I've learned the hard way too many times. Hmmm...so I guess I haven't truly learned yet. |
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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Be prepared,
Have your hook removal gear ready, know the location of everything you will need and have it where you can get it.
Know how to use your camera. |
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| Pick your friends well....Don't underestimate greed. |
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Posts: 12
| GET A GOOD PAIR OF SUN GLASSES! nothing is more frustraiting then your partner telling you a monster was on your baits ass and you not seeing it because you bought your glasses at walmart or some gas station-they will help you catch more fish! |
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Posts: 31
Location: Syracuse, New York | This is definitely cliche, but remember that safety comes first. In the heat of the moment, there are alot of ways for serious injuries to occur. They can all be prevented with a little preparation and good communication. |
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Posts: 208
Location: North East PA , 20 mins from Chautauqua | Learn how to launch and load your boat quickly !
THE FERD |
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Posts: 223
Location: Victoria,MN | Everyone who has spent time on the water pursuing these critters has been burned , and me especially, I believe the biggest thing is try to stay focused. Also laugh and learn from your mistakes! |
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Posts: 305
Location: Illinois | Enjoy the natural aspects of the sport,the sunsets, the Loons, the Eagles. It may sound corny, but since I got older, I tend to notice the little things more. It makes for a great experience, whether the fish are moving or not.
Fishing tip-If your lure is being followed by perch, stripers, constantly, move. I used to think this was a good sign, but if they're comfortable enough to follow your lure on every cast, there probably aren't many predators around. Besides, I've never caught a musky in this situation |
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Posts: 90
| The one thing that I haven't seen on here yet unless I missed it is the most common complaint I hear from Guides about their clients especially those new the sport...SET THE #*^@ HOOK!!!!!!!!! |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Learn how to cast and cast accurately! Biggest problem I have with beginners is that they can't cast well. Lots of backlashes, lots of lure in the rocks, lots of lost time. You can learn to do this in your back yard!
Doug Johnson |
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Posts: 66
| Make sure you check your line for fraying and check your leader for weak spots.
Brian |
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Posts: 157
Location: Collegeville Pa | They are just fish, don't over complicate things, and keep at it, eventually you will catch one. Then it gets easier. |
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| FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8
And hire an experienced guide - lots of Newbies out there. |
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Posts: 271
Location: davis,IL | Not a tip just a suggestion, don't morgage the house for equipment. Get the basics and give it a try.
TIP: Enjoy yourself!! If you make this some kind of a do or die job, you won't be doing it long. Pay attention to the details (the trail to success). Listen and read anything that can furter your knowledge, and start out fishing the easy stuff ( rocks & weeds). Remember your first few fish if only 30" long will still be a thrill. |
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Posts: 2274
Location: SE, WI. | Tell the beginner that hook preparation is HUGE, so get a10" fine tooth file, file the 3 sides and don't forget to sharpen the barb and slightly open the gap about 10 degrees to get a better bite...and Hang On!!!  |
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| Practice, practice, practice!!
And have a memory like an elephant!! |
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