musky essentials?

[j77]

Sorry guys. I know this is a walleye site but I figure ill ask anyway..... well after being without a boat for a few year I have finally got a new boat and I am fairly close to lake vermillion so having never musky fished I'd like to try it out and was wondering if you guys could help me out. I'm wondering what are some basic essentials as far as gear to get me started.... also any tips would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

[TinmanDon]

check this out

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manito...ot-kenora.html

[Suzuky]

Just getting started the 8'6" okuma xh is the best all around action that will throw most any bait you put on it and not break the bank. Don'd go cheap on the reel, Calcutta 400TE is the way to go and will crank most of what you throw. I have 8 rods rigged and ready, some better some economy set ups, and find myself throwing this combo 80% of the time.

Baits.... I've been on V a few times fishing with guides in late summer/early fall and found one bait you shouldn't be w/o is a walley/gold color bull dawg, black with glow tail a close second. (Don't skimp, get the real deal, they run true and don't roll.) You'd use this to fish open water, breaks, rock points and submurged humps. Bucktails have their place year round, colors??? Top-waters see a lot of action at dusk and after dark, creapers and plop plop baits, you can never go wrong with black. Later in the season, big cranks for trolling and casting.

Not sure where your located but visiting or calling/emailing a shop specializing in muskie gear can be a huge advantage and help save on baits. Tell them what lake you're fishing and have them suggest three baits they would fish and why.

Good luck, after that first 50+ shows up at the side of the boat, you'll be hooked.

[retiredmn]

Check out this site. Best Muskie site around. Anything you want to know is there.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/

[PAL]

Some good advice above. Muskiefirst is a great resource for all things muskie.

For a rod, I suggest Tackle Industries as a great starter or even every day rod in the 9 foot heavy, or extra heavy. St croix has their sling blade from last year on sale for $ 165.00 right now, that is a great option also. Alot depends on what you want to throw.

For a reel, the calcutta te is great, but spendy. If you are not going to throw double 10's all the time, you could get away with some others at first like a calcutta b that is much lower in price but very reliable. You see these for sale quite a bit on craigs.

Put good line on your reel and get a quality leader.

Bait wise, I would start slow. Watch muskie first for some great lures to pick up in their swap board.

Alot of muskie hounds throw double ten bucktails ( spankys, cowgirls, gerry tails) and plastics like bull dawgs. Other options do exist which you will have to decide for yourself.

Here a a few starter colors for tails ( silver blade / black body, orange blade / black body, silver blade / blue & silver body). I would get a nice spinner bait, 1-2 topwaters ( lee lures), and 1-2 bull dawgs ( black / white, and walleye gold ) .

Good luck.

Any additional questions, let me know.

[eriksat1]

Warning, Warning!! If you get hooked on muskie fishing it will put a serious dent in your bank account.

[Phil T]

Yup, muskie fishermen fish for walleye the week before they get their paycheck.

[j77]

Thanks for all the info guys all very helpfully. Sounds like I may need a second job. Ha ha!!

[mudpuppy]

I was into Musky fishing for awhile. I finally realized I just couldn't do it ALL. Something had to go. Had to give it up.