Rules For The Beginning Muskie Angler.
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:45 am
Here are some good points/rules to follow for you who are just starting out Muskie Angling:
1. Have the proper tools with you. A long nose pliers, a hook cutter, and a jaw spreader...just to name a few. Check out the "NW TIGER PAC" web-page for more tips on this topic. Bring a large net to safely land a muskie. There are many quality nets on the market today.
2. Keep your hooks sharp. Don't try to save money on bargain lines, leaders & snaps.
3. Pay attention to what is going on around you...weather, water temp, bait fish in the area etc...details can be very important for future outings. Write them down...keeping notes can help you remember for the next time you go "hunting" muskie.
4. Use bright lures on bright days and dark lures on darker days. This is a good "rule of thumb" in general.
5. Don't waste too much time choosing and changing lures.
6. Learn to do a "figure 8" or circle well at your boat side! This will often induce a strike!
7. Keep your hand away from their mouth. They have many sharp teeth and many an angler has been cut when they do a head shake!
8. Remove the hooks while the muskie is in the net. It is far more easier. Keep the fish in the water when possible.
9. *** Don't keep the muskie out of the water any longer than you can hold your breath. This is a key point. Help the muskie to "revive" in the water if necessary simply by holding it until it is ready to swim off on its' own. With a big fish this may take some time...please give this time to them so they can live to fight another day! Our "Tigers" can live 10-12 years maybe even longer according to the Biologists at the WDFW.
10. Always fish with as many muskie anglers as you can. There is always something new for you to learn and it also provides an opportunity for you to teach. It is a "win/win" situation. Introduce someone new to the sport when the opportunity presents itself.
Well here are Ten Good Points that I hope will help you improve your Muskie Angling. Go out there and have some fun!
*These tips were provided to you by Walt Krause Chapter 28, Larry Besant Chapter 52 & Bad Esox Chapter 57.
1. Have the proper tools with you. A long nose pliers, a hook cutter, and a jaw spreader...just to name a few. Check out the "NW TIGER PAC" web-page for more tips on this topic. Bring a large net to safely land a muskie. There are many quality nets on the market today.
2. Keep your hooks sharp. Don't try to save money on bargain lines, leaders & snaps.
3. Pay attention to what is going on around you...weather, water temp, bait fish in the area etc...details can be very important for future outings. Write them down...keeping notes can help you remember for the next time you go "hunting" muskie.
4. Use bright lures on bright days and dark lures on darker days. This is a good "rule of thumb" in general.
5. Don't waste too much time choosing and changing lures.
6. Learn to do a "figure 8" or circle well at your boat side! This will often induce a strike!
7. Keep your hand away from their mouth. They have many sharp teeth and many an angler has been cut when they do a head shake!
8. Remove the hooks while the muskie is in the net. It is far more easier. Keep the fish in the water when possible.
9. *** Don't keep the muskie out of the water any longer than you can hold your breath. This is a key point. Help the muskie to "revive" in the water if necessary simply by holding it until it is ready to swim off on its' own. With a big fish this may take some time...please give this time to them so they can live to fight another day! Our "Tigers" can live 10-12 years maybe even longer according to the Biologists at the WDFW.
10. Always fish with as many muskie anglers as you can. There is always something new for you to learn and it also provides an opportunity for you to teach. It is a "win/win" situation. Introduce someone new to the sport when the opportunity presents itself.
Well here are Ten Good Points that I hope will help you improve your Muskie Angling. Go out there and have some fun!
*These tips were provided to you by Walt Krause Chapter 28, Larry Besant Chapter 52 & Bad Esox Chapter 57.