Do Your Homework for Musky

Doing your homework for musky fishing is often the difference in success. Going musky fishing without a plan and research is poor practice. These fish are hard to locate and catch. Going on the water unprepared is going to lead to failure.

Study the Lake Maps at Home

How well do you know the waterway? Where are the tributaries entering the waterway? Do you know where the drop-offs, shallows, and deep water are located? What type of cover is present in each area?

All of these questions will lead you to find better musky fishing areas. In the spring, fall, and sometimes in summer musky gather near tributaries. They feed in the shallows often but rest in deeper water. Find the shallows with deep water close. Plus musky will suspend near drop-offs.

Weed cover is a favorite cover for muskies. If weeds are not present rocky outcrops offer cover. Muskies take the best spots in cover. Learn where the deep pockets are in the weeds. Pin-point rock piles around rocky areas.

Tackle Shop Musky Homework

Tackle shops know where people are catching fish. They may not say the exact location but reference an area. Use this knowledge along with your maps study. It will help you focus on the best areas to work during the day of fishing.

They will at least know what lures are working or selling the best. This information gives you insights on what to throw in lures. You can arrange your tackle with productive lures for the day. Cutting down on how many lures you carry. Reduces the temptation of throwing an unproductive lure.

The productive lures may be the color or type. If the color you need to carry several types in that color. If a specific lure type is working, bring an assortment of colors. The changes in light penetration will make color changes needed at times.

Musky Homework for Tackle

Check and sharpen hooks at home. Repair or replace damage to lures. Bent hooks or sprung split rings need replacing before going fishing. Inspects your leaders for kinks or other damage. Does your reel have enough good line spooled?

Release tools and the net need inspection also. Do all the tools operate properly? On the water is not the time to find out your pliers or cutters are frozen or stiff. Is the net in good shape or have holes or tears that need attention?

Conclusions

Taking a few hours before your trip helps with success. You can plan the areas to fish. Check with the locals on what lures and areas are productive. Checking the gear eliminates problems before you need to use the gear.