This week on AnglingBuzz TV, we brought in musky commando Josh Borovsky to talk about one of the biggest, fiercest fish in freshwater, the musky! One of the toughest species of fish to find, hook and land, there’s a lot more to musky fishing than tying on a plus-sized bait and casting-and-winding.

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing various tips and techniques for hunting muskies. Muskies are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts” due to their elusive nature, but with the right strategies and equipment, you can increase your chances of success. We will cover topics such as bait selection, fishing techniques, and location scouting. So, let’s dive in and learn how to catch these elusive predators!

Bait Selection

When it comes to muskie fishing, bait selection is crucial. Here are a few baits that have proven to be effective:

• Muskie Frenzy Staggers: This bait features two different blades, providing a thumping action that can attract muskies. Adding scent drops to the back of your baits can also help entice fish to commit.
• Topwater Baits: Topwater baits can be highly effective, especially in the spring. Subtle and standard topwater baits, such as the Night Walker from Sulak and the Whopper Plopper from River2Sea, can trigger muskies to bite. Slow-rolling single-prop baits can be particularly effective.
• Inline Spinners and Bucktails: Inline spinners and bucktails are versatile baits that can be used in a variety of conditions. The MDC and Double Showgirl from Muskie Mayhem, as well as the Birdshot Bucktail from Northland Tackle, are popular choices.
• Swim Baits: Swim baits, such as the Swimmin’ Dawg from Muskie Innovations and the Shallow Raider and Depth Raider from Bucher Outdoors, can mimic the movement of baitfish and attract muskies.

Fishing Techniques

When it comes to fishing for muskies, it’s important to vary your techniques to find what works best on a given day. Here are a few techniques to try:

• Slow-Moving Topwaters: Slow-moving topwaters, such as walk-the-dog style baits, can be effective in triggering muskies to strike. The Sports Creeper is a popular choice for this technique.
• Slow-Rolling Bucktails: Slow-rolling bucktails can be effective in warmer water conditions. The key is to retrieve the bait at a slow and steady pace to entice muskies to bite.
• Jigging and Trolling: Jigging with a leech or crawler can be effective for targeting muskies in specific areas, such as weed beds or rock breaks. Trolling with a Leech Rig or crawler harness can also be effective for covering a larger area and locating active fish.

Location Scouting

Finding the right location is crucial for muskie fishing. Here are a few tips for locating muskies:

• Side Imaging: Using side imaging technology can help you locate muskies in open water areas. Drive around in the bays and use your side imaging to mark fish. Once you’ve marked them, cast to them over the open water.
• Green Cabbage: Muskies often start using green cabbage this time of year. Do your homework and find areas with green cabbage, as muskies will likely be there in a few weeks.
• Transitioning to Rocks: As the sun warms up the rocks, muskies will start transitioning to these areas. While there will always be muskies in the weeds, the rocks will become more active shortly.

In conclusion, muskie fishing can be challenging but rewarding. By selecting the right baits, using various fishing techniques, and scouting for the right locations, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive predators. Remember to always practice catch and release to help sustain the fishery for years to come. So grab your gear and get out on the water for some exciting muskie actio