| Introduction | | | | of mono provides shock-absorption while braid |
| Due to the size, power of the fish, the strain of | | | | offers zero. I have snapped 65lb braid and |
| the lures themselves, muskie fishing is unlike any | | | | watched a $20 lure sail into the distance on a |
| other freshwater fishing -- it requires specialized | | | | "professional overrun". |
| tackle from the rod to the lure and everything in | | | | - Abrasian Resistance & Diameter -- 20lb |
| between. I am hoping this guide will give you an | | | | braid is thin, so thin it will slice easily when coming |
| idea of what is required before heading to a | | | | in contact with rocks, zebra mussels, gill plates |
| vendor interested in separating you from your | | | | etc. 100lb braid is the equivalent of 20lb mono in |
| hard earned cash. I am hesitant naming specific | | | | terms of diameter and offers a little more |
| brands until they start putting food on my table -- | | | | protection. |
| however, do keep in mind, you get what you pay | | | | Leader & Terminal Tackle |
| for. There are no shortcuts and I guarantee you, | | | | Casting leaders are typically 10-15" long. Trolling |
| skimping now will result in lost fish, broken gear | | | | leaders should be much longer: 36"+. |
| and ultimately, spending more later. Do it right the | | | | You can buy pre-made leaders at your tackle |
| first time! | | | | shop; they are usually made with quality |
| Rods & Reels | | | | components as long as you don't buy 5 for $5. |
| Generally speaking, your first rod will be in the 7'6" | | | | The other option is to make your own. It's not |
| to 8' range, with a medium heavy or heavy | | | | hard, you know they will be up to par and, it will |
| action. Do not confuse it with a Bass rod - you're | | | | be cheaper in the long run. |
| done fishing for bait -- this is a Muskie rod and is | | | | Fluoro vs Wire |
| usually branded as such. A muskie medium-heavy | | | | Fluorocarbon has recently made inroads into the |
| rod is a different animal than a normal | | | | freshwater fishing game. It has some interesting |
| medium-heavy rod. Did I mention bass rods | | | | properties; invisible in the water, easy on the fish |
| simply will not do? Don't bring a knife to a | | | | should they roll in the line, durable and, abrasion |
| gunfight. | | | | resistant. The key in the last point is resistant -- it |
| On the reel front, for repeatedly casting heavy | | | | is not impossible to cut or bite through. I believe it |
| lures or trolling them, baitcasters are the name of | | | | is a good choice however, if you plan on using it |
| the game. They are simply built tougher than their | | | | as leader material, use a minimum of 130lb test. |
| spinning counterparts -- knife, gunfight, I think you | | | | Wire leaders are the old standby and work just |
| get it. You will need a strong reel, with a good | | | | great. Muskie are not line shy and don't mind the |
| drag and loud clicker for trolling. These are | | | | fact that there's a 12" piece of wire ahead of |
| typically round style baitcasters although, a few | | | | your lure. If using multiple strand wire leaders, |
| manufacturers have recently released low-profile | | | | having a nylon coating over the wire makes it |
| baitcasters which can stand up to the task. The | | | | easier on the fist. |
| less plastic components, the better! | | | | Certain lures (ie. jerkbaits) also work best with a |
| Line | | | | solid, single-strand wire leader. These are the thick |
| The last few years, braided line has really caught | | | | piano or bicycle spoke style leaders. |
| on in fishing circles, particularly in muskie fishing. It | | | | Whichever style you think will work best for you, |
| is strong, has zero stretch making it a great | | | | your entire setup is only as strong as the |
| choice for tossing and working large lures. A | | | | weakest link. If making your own, do not skimp |
| minimum line rating of 65lbs is a requirement with | | | | on swivels, split rings or snaps. A welded, solid ring |
| 80-100lb recommended. You might think this is | | | | ball-bearing swivel should be used with any lure |
| overkill but, there's a method to the madness: | | | | that spins (ie. bootails). You can get away with |
| - Catch and Release -- One of the keys to | | | | welded, barrel type swivels for other types of |
| successful release and survival is the ability to land | | | | lures. |
| and release the fish as quickly as possible. A long, | | | | Catch & Release |
| drawn out battle with a muskie on light line is a | | | | While a topic for another article, safely (for you |
| recipe for killing fish. | | | | & the fish) releasing the fish is an important |
| - No Stretch of Braid -- Yes, it has it's drawbacks! | | | | part of muskie fishing. These fish are the top |
| Think about what happens when a no stretch line | | | | predator in their water and help maintain their |
| with a 4oz lure suddenly stops in mid-air on a | | | | ecosystem's balance. To minimize damage to the |
| birdsnest (happens to the best of us). How about | | | | fish and potentially yourself, ensure that you arm |
| a 30lb fish smacking a lure travelling 5mph? In | | | | yourself with the proper release tools which |
| either situation, there's a great amount of force | | | | include; a deep pen style net, long nose pliers, bolt |
| exerted on the line in that moment. The stretch | | | | cutters to cut hooks. |