Musky guide Doug Wegner breaks down everything you need to know about musky bucktails from single blades to triple blades, spinnerbaits to inline bucktails, and Colorado to willow blades.
Musky fishing is all about using the right tools to catch those big, elusive muskies. And when it comes to musky fishing, one of the favorite tools of anglers is the bucktail. Bucktails come in a variety of styles and designs, each with its own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will explore some of the different types of bucktails and why they are effective in catching muskies.
The Double Cowgirl: A Staple in Musky Fishing
One of the most popular bucktails among musky anglers is the double cowgirl. This double-bladed bucktail took the industry by storm about 10 to 12 years ago and quickly became a staple in musky fishing. The double cowgirl is a simple yet effective bait that mimics the movement of baitfish, making it irresistible to muskies. However, due to its popularity and the number of fish that have been caught on it, some anglers believe that mus kies are becoming less responsive to the double cowgirl. Nonetheless, it remains a reliable fish catcher.
The Triple Bladed Bucktail: Something Different for the Muskies
A newer addition to the bucktail market is the triple bladed bucktail. This bait features three blades and requires a specific clevis to run properly. The triple bladed bucktail creates a lot of vibration and movement in the water, but it doesn’t pull too hard. The blades only extend to a certain angle, making it easier for anglers to handle. This unique design and the fact that it is relatively new to the industry make it an effective bait for catching muskies.
The Offset or Staggered Bucktail: A Different Vibration
Another type of bucktail that has gained popularity is the offset or staggered bucktail. This bucktail features two different-sized blades, such as a number 10 Colorado blade and a number 10 Indiana blade. The difference in blade size creates a bump in the bucktail’s vibration, giving it a unique and enticing movement in the water. The offset bucktail is a powerful bait that can trigger strikes from muskies, especially those that have become accustomed to the standard double-bladed bucktails.
The Single Bladed Bucktail: A Forgotten Classic
While double-bladed bucktails have dominated the musky fishing scene for years, the single-bladed bucktail is a classic bait that should not be overlooked. Some muskies may have never encountered a single-bladed bucktail before, making it a powerful and enticing option. The single-bladed bucktail offers a different vibration and movement in the water, which can trigger strikes from muskies that have become wary of the more common double-bladed bucktails. Adding a rubber tail to the back of the single-bladed bucktail can enhance its action and increase its effectiveness.
The Single Bladed Willow Bucktail: A Subtle Presentation ——————————————————– Another type of single-bladed bucktail that is often overlooked is the single-bladed willow bucktail. This bait offers a subtle presentation and features a different style of blade that muskies may not have seen or felt before. To enhance the action of the bait, some anglers like to add a grub to the back. The rubber tail aids in the movement of the bait and can entice muskies to strike. The single-bladed willow bucktail is a unique option that can be highly effective in certain situations.
Different Blades for Different Situations
When it comes to bucktails, there are a variety of blade options available on the market. Some popular choices include Indiana blades, Colorado blades, hammered blades, and fluted blades. Each type of blade has its own unique characteristics and can be effective in different situations. It’s important to experiment with different blades and see what works best for the muskies in your lake. Some lakes may have muskies that prefer hammered blades, while others may respond better to Indiana or fluted blades. Having a variety of blades in your tackle box allows you to adapt to different conditions and increase your chances of success.
Don’t Forget About Spinnerbaits
While bucktails are often the go-to bait for musky fishing, spinnerbaits are another highly effective option that is often underused. Spinnerbaits offer a different vibration and can be modified in various ways to create different types of vibrations. For example, using a safety pin spinnerbait with a circle blade or twisting the blades can produce unique vibrations that can entice muskies to strike. Spinnerbaits are versatile baits that can be fished in a variety of conditions and can be highly effective in landing muskies.
