This is the start of serious muskie angling. Fishing will peak as the temperature hits around 50 F. Many anglers were trying their luck this past weekend.
Muskie fishing is slowly becoming more popular with Manitoba anglers. Stories of big fish abound. Tales of a 55-inch brute caught at the bus stop seem to be the biggest. Every serious angler for muskie wants to break the 50-inch mark.
These fish are few and far between. Not that you don't see them, but to get them to hit the bait is another story. The most common mistake is not watching your bait on the retrieve or the classic figure eight before taking your hook out of the water.
Andrew Klassen had a decent muskie follow his bait for three or four minutes while violently keeping his bait moving at the side of the boat. This muskie tucked in behind the bait and finally vanished as Andrew was totally exhausted from using the figure eight.
Muskie will often hit at the boat so the key is to be prepared. A good pair of polarized glasses is a necessity, allowing you to watch for any fish trailing the bait. Don't use light equipment. Not that you can't land the fish, you can, but a long strenuous battle will only hurt the fish. The lactic acid that builds up will cause the fish to be severely stressed.
When landing big fish try not to remove any protective slime. If you have a cradle you can keep the fish in the water while removing your hook. If you require a picture don't hold these big boys vertically as the cartilage in the fish will tear and could cause the fish to die. A horizontal picture will save some unnecessary damage.
The new super lines are excellent and provide strength and sensitivity. Some of the best lines are Stealth, Power Pro and Spiderwire Fusion. If you choose to use mono, Sensation and Iron Silk are your best choices. I prefer a super braid for trolling as it cuts the water and allows you to present your bait a bit deeper than mono.
Strong leaders are a must and my choice is a 12-inch titanium for casting or an 18 - 24 inch for trolling. These leaders are expensive but will not kink and will function well under the toughest conditions. The croslock swivels will not open under pressure resulting in more fish landed.
Earlier in the year I talked about forming a new Muskie / Pike Club for Manitoba. The first meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6:15 pm at A.N.A.F. - Ellice and Empress next to S.I.R.
Update
L.O.T.W. - Walleye still on humps. Big bass being taken on worms and leeches.
Falcon - Some big pike on the prowl. Several reports of pike over 40 inches. Deep diving blue cisco kid is the ticket. Try in front of Faloma and Toniata. Troll 3 - 4 m.p.h.
Crow Duck - Still awesome.
Minnesota - Is there a better crappie fishery anywhere?
Red River - Selkirk Park reports that the walleye bite has been consistent.
Echo/Tooth - Smallmouth action is great on top water baits.
Until next week, keep your lines tight!