Posted 1/22/2014 5:41 PM (#686570) Subject: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 4
Location: Fairlawn, VA - 5 minutes away from the boat launch
I live here in SW Virginia and the New River is close by. I've decided to jump into muskie fishing because the New River has a bunch of these toothy critters swimming around and it looks like fun to get into a new way of fishing.
Since I'm a "new guy" to muskie fishing, I'd appreciate some help in getting some baits to get me started out.
Now to spinner baits - I know they catch things because one "caught" me the other day in the sporting goods store. It's a "Booty-Call", black with multi-colored flecks, 2 oz. bait with twin brass blades.
In looking through this excellent forum, I've already got some good info on other types of baits and now I'm wondering if the spinner bait was a good idea. Any advice?
Posted 1/22/2014 5:56 PM (#686574 - in reply to #686570) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 49
Duckbuck, I live in the NRV and fish the New River for muskies about two days a week...even in this cold weather we've had the last couple weeks. Do spinnerbaits catch muskies? Absolutely! Ive found that smaller bucktail spinners work best in the New...mepps muskie killers, double #8's, Pearson grinders to name a few. I've thrown the double #13's with limited success. Also, this is not the time of year for them. I fished Monday and the water temp was 35 degrees and fish that I caught were wanting very slow moving baits with long pauses. I start throwing spinnerbaits in April thru early June. Once the water warms up to 80 degrees I quite fishing for them in the river because it stresses them so much.
Posted 1/22/2014 5:56 PM (#686575 - in reply to #686570) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 865
To answer your question. Yes Spinner Baits do catch Muskies. On certain days they may be exactly what their looking for, and on other days totally ignore them or just follow it in..It is however a good tool to have in your musky Box and you should not be without one or two... There are several variety of blades they come in and you will just have to get used to how each and everyone performs.....And fish with the one you have a little confidence in.... start putting $$$$$$$ away this is an expensive fish to pursue.....lol Mike Sr
Posted 1/22/2014 6:16 PM (#686582 - in reply to #686570) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA
duckbuck - 1/22/2014 6:41 PM
I live here in SW Virginia and the New River is close by. I've decided to jump into muskie fishing because the New River has a bunch of these toothy critters swimming around and it looks like fun to get into a new way of fishing.
Since I'm a "new guy" to muskie fishing, I'd appreciate some help in getting some baits to get me started out.
Now to spinner baits - I know they catch things because one "caught" me the other day in the sporting goods store. It's a "Booty-Call", black with multi-colored flecks, 2 oz. bait with twin brass blades.
In looking through this excellent forum, I've already got some good info on other types of baits and now I'm wondering if the spinner bait was a good idea. Any advice?
duckbuck
I have this same bait and it has put multiple muskies as well as my personal best pike in the boat for me.
Posted 1/22/2014 7:32 PM (#686607 - in reply to #686601) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 365
DuckBuck ---- before you spend alot of money on stuff you dont need ,, join your local Muskies Inc. chapter and talk to those that know your water --- jim
Posted 1/22/2014 7:57 PM (#686619 - in reply to #686607) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 1274
Location: E. Tenn
jimjimjim - 1/22/2014 8:32 PM
DuckBuck ---- before you spend alot of money on stuff you dont need ,, join your local Muskies Inc. chapter and talk to those that know your water --- jim
That's great advice, unfortunately there isn't a chapter around the SW VA, E TN, W NC region.
Posted 1/22/2014 8:48 PM (#686632 - in reply to #686624) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI
Sue is so used to Steve catching muskies on spinnerbaits she doesn't even turn around when he ties into one.
I used to fish stained, shallow weedy flowage type waters more often than I have recently. When I was on those waters I used spinnerbaits a LOT and they were very productive for me. I think just about any of them are good, though I really liked Rad Dogs.
Also, don't let the single hooks fool you, my hooking percentage was quite good with them. Great in weeds and any other kind of structure.
Those are some good looking quality spinner baits.
I'm going to have to throw more spinner baits this year. I keep wondering why I got away from fishing them more. They do catch muskies. And, there are a lot of good looking spinner baits to use.
Posted 1/23/2014 9:35 AM (#686724 - in reply to #686570) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 72
I get so caught up in throwing big rubber and gliders all season that I never use spinner baits anymore. One of my fishing partners Keith Cortopassi has been making some sweet ones as of late. I am going to try to make a better effort on throwing them , especially early season in shallower water.
Posted 1/23/2014 11:01 AM (#686752 - in reply to #686724) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 426
Location: Perryville, MO
You've already gotten the answer you were looking for and some of the brands of baits that have been mentioned are excellent options (especially PSV''s baits), but it would be a shame if someone didn't suggest Nutbusters from Llungen. Check them out for sure. And if smaller baits are the deal on the New they've got a new jr. model that might fit the bill perfectly. Great baits for sure!
Posted 1/23/2014 3:32 PM (#686823 - in reply to #686570) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 371
Location: Dixon, IL
I would cast large spinnerbait around fallen trees and woods. I remember many years ago Al Lindner caught and release 5 muskie in one day on spinnerbait in his tv show. Not sure in an In-Fisherman but long time ago!
Posted 1/23/2014 10:33 PM (#686930 - in reply to #686570) Subject: Re: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 4
Location: Fairlawn, VA - 5 minutes away from the boat launch
WOW Folks - You've got me hooked already. Thanks again for the good tips and links!
I checked the baits you've all suggested and I'm definitely gonna pick up some of those beautiful baits. Now, all I've got to do is find the right colors and sizes.
I've fished the New long enough to know the primary forage for Muskies - probably close to what you are used to seeing.
We have perch, blue gills and sunfish, rock bass (redeyes) some suckers (haven't seen many), and a whole bunch of small mouth bass, walleyes, and stripers.
Should I "match the hatch" and try to get lures that present realistic profiles and color patterns, or should I concentrate on bright colors to provoke reaction strikes? I know a little about water color differences and how it effects bait selection, but I'm mainly concerned about this spring when the water levels are usually high, cold and off-color to muddy.
My best local advice so far is to try to locate some baits (not just spinners) that would mimic a small mouth bass, a walleye, or a baby duck.
What are your thoughts on this?
I'm not trying to hijack my own thread, but does anyone know of a good Muskie guide in the area that would take me out and give me some basic experience with this type of fishing?
Posted 1/26/2014 11:39 AM (#687430 - in reply to #687415) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 469
Location: MN
Lunger50 - 1/26/2014 10:26 AM
jano - 1/23/2014 11:21 PM
Lunker Larry - 1/22/2014 6:37 PM They're just about the top lure in the Ottawa River. I think more fish have been caught on Rob Dey or River Rat spinner baits than on any other bait.
where can i get some rob dey spinnerbaits do you have a pics?? for me spinnerbaits shine in hvy weeds cover,specially when the other get jammed because the weed is too thick
Haha, good luck... You need to have a friend that knows guy, who has a shady uncle, that is married to his wifes half sister..
I've never seen Rob Dey spinnerbaits. Wasn't able to find any pictures of them online.
Does anybody have them? If yes, please, post a picture or just give some description.
River Rats website is down for quiet a while. Are they still in a business ?
Posted 1/26/2014 2:10 PM (#687449 - in reply to #686927) Subject: RE: Do Spinnerbaits Catch Muskies?
Posts: 29
jano - 1/23/2014 10:21 PM
Lunker Larry - 1/22/2014 6:37 PM
They're just about the top lure in the Ottawa River. I think more fish have been caught on Rob Dey or River Rat spinner baits than on any other bait.
where can i get some rob dey spinnerbaits do you have a pics??
for me spinnerbaits shine in hvy weeds cover,specially when the other get jammed because the weed is too thick
Both spinner bait makers are members of our club and neither one does any mass production. If you are really interested you can send me your e-mail address and I will contact them for you.
Top photo are Rob Dey's. Second is River Rat. Not to flattering a presentation as I dug these out and they were put away damp. There are casting and trolling in the mix. 2 and three hook versions. Some I have had for 10 years. You have to troll a lot of miles before the wires break on these. Both great baits.
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