Fall Muskies

[metalbuckle]

Since it was so beautiful out today, decided to head out and try for some fall muskies. Hit all my spots that have produced in the past. Worked hard for them, casting, casting and more casting and was able to put a few in the boat. Tried trolling, but that produced nothing. Also landed a few nice bass. Tired now, but here are some pictures.

[metalbuckle]

A little ski with nice pattern

[metalbuckle]

Fall Muskie

[metalbuckle]

Sorry messed up this pic.. Sun behind me.

[chazD]

Great job metalbuckle. I was out trolling all day today and managed one bass. Very nice looking skis.

[Putaforkinya]

Nice job on the skis and VERY good job disguising the back ground so we cant see where u caught them lol.

[Hank Jr]

Nice looking fish thanks for the report . Muskie fishing is a lot of work why can't they eat those little lures the Bass guys use LOL

[metalbuckle]

Yes, I wish trolling was working better yesterday, much easier..
But every time I checked the jake it was covered in leaves.

LOL@ Matt.. Now that I look at the pic again, It's perfect.

[VBB]

Awesome day out. Beautiful colours on those skis!

[fisherboy]

Nice muskies!

[scharfy83]

Nice gunna try my luck this weekend

[RCRward]

What kind of line do you use while fishing for Musky?

I am going out for musky for the first time and am wondering what equipment to bring.

I have a few big lures but as far as rod and reels go I have either a 6'6" Medium spinning rod with maybe 20lb drag, and a 7 foot heavy bait casting rod with maybe 20lb of drag.

will I be okay with those or will I need something else?

I usually run a braided line to fluorocarbon leader and have never had an issue with pike do you suggest a wire leader?

[metalbuckle]

I am not fancy at all, and fish with just regular low-budget gear and line. I believe true success has to do with timing, location and presentation. If you cover those three variables and ensure you have gear that can handle what species you are targeting, you will do alright. I know the muskie angler purest will rib me, but this is my muskie setup..

Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Trophy Class Spinning Rod 7' 6" MH
Shimano Sedona 4000 spinning reel
PowerPro Braided line 65 lb test
Leader material, either wire leader or 1 ft of Berkey Trilene Big Game Mono Line 50 / 60 lb

I also have a more expensive setup, Shimano baitcaster and Crucial Heavy Action rod, but almost never use that one. It's just there as a second setup that I toss on occasion. But my goto is the PowerPlus, I really don't know why, well I do.. LOL.. Baitcasters annoy me sometimes..

I think I need a little bit bigger spinning reel, but had that one laying around cuz I bought a few on special so I use it.

A real big muskie might destroy my setup, I don't know, my biggest to date is 43". So I am ok so far.

That's it...

When trolling I go with the wire leader, I am generally going so fast I don't think the muskie care or can see the leader. If casting I go with the mono leader, as I am sometimes reeling in at slower speeds.

I think most guys use a heavy fluoro leader, but I don't bother, I just buy one of those big spools of heavy mono and run with it..

I guess in your case, the 7 ft heavy action baitcaster will have to do. The med action might be too light, a large muskie would be difficult to control with that, IMO. And you don't want to over tire the fish, they will be very hard to revive and or die, especially after a long battle.

Also suggest wire/hook cutters and a large net or cradle. Watch your hands when removing hooks, those large trebles on muskie lures are dangerous.

If casting, enjoy the sore shoulder on the following day, and the next..

[FatRap]

Sounds/looks like a great outing Jerry, always nice to find the time to get out for a fish at this time of year

[wishin fishin]

do you eat the ski's, I've tried it once - it was awful!!