Jeremy Smith shares some great tips on fishing bucktails, arguably the best all-around musky lures on the planet.
BEST All-Around Musky Lures???
When it comes to musky fishing, there are countless bait options available on the market. Every year, new baits with innovative features are introduced to help anglers catch more and bigger fish. However, amidst all the options, there is one bait that has stood the test of time and continues to be a reliable choice for musky anglers – hair or bucktail lures.
Hair or bucktail lures have been a staple in musky fishing for years. These lures have a unique ability to move through the water with incredible speed, making them irresistible to muskies. Speed can often be a killer when it comes to targeting these elusive fish, and hair or bucktail lures excel in this aspect. They are the original speed traps for muskies.
The Rise of Double Blades
In recent years, there has been a big trend in musky fishing towards double-bladed bucktail lures. These baits feature two blades instead of one, which not only increases their pulling power but also creates a lot of flash and vibration in the water. The size eight double-bladed bucktail is a versatile bait that can be fished all day. It offers a good amount of flash and vibration, while still allowing for fast retrieval.
For those targeting big fish in late summer and early fall, the tandem tenth bucktail is the go-to bait. This larger size pulls hard and grabs the attention of those trophy muskies. However, after hours of casting and reeling, it can be nice to take a break with a lighter option like the muskie buck or the double eights.
Choosing the Right Rod and Reel Combo
When fishing with spinners like these, it’s important to have the right rod and reel combo that balances well with the lure. This will prevent you from straining yourself while casting and retrieving these heavy baits all day long.
When using big blades, it’s helpful to think of it as pedaling uphill with a ten-speed bike. The higher the gear ratio on your reel, the faster the line recovery, but the harder it is to turn the handle. For burning big blades, a reel with a 5 to 1 gear ratio is recommended. This allows you to turn the reel handle three times for every one and a half turns with an 8 to 1 gear ratio.
The Importance of Stamina and Focus
Muskie fishing requires stamina and focus. It’s all about staying focused and keeping your head in the game for hours on end. Having the right equipment, like a lightweight package with a powerful reel, can make a significant difference in your ability to fish effectively and efficiently.
