Bass Gear Muskies

40 Inch Muskie on a Bass Rod and Crankbait

Go Small for Minnesota Muskies

The fish that strikes fear in swimmers puts a crushing blow on your crankbait right at boat side. She head shakes, bulldogs and power rolls in a monumental effort to throw the lure from the side of her face. The fish of 1000 casts right? Well the fish above ate a bass size crank within the first hour of fishing. To top it off this fish was caught using a bass rod with a bass lure.

It’s generally thought that big baits catch big fish and in general I believe that’s true. However I also believe it’s true that you will catch more muskies on small baits. Yes they may be smaller but you’re still talking 36-44 inch fish. Thinking about this for a bit has me calculating my personal experience in reference to muskie size and as memory serves me I’ve seen numerous muskie over 45 inches on small baits and many, many more smaller than 45 using bass size lures.

Fishing Mpls/StPaul for muskies is not a difficult task. You don’t even need traditional muskie gear and lures to boat muskies. Personally, I fish with smaller baits more often than all of my fellow muskie fishing fans. Why? The answer is simple. First, I can fish faster with bass size lures such as Rapalas, flatbills, 1oz spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. Second, I’m presenting lures that muskie do not often see.  Third I can cast these smaller presentations all day (I’m old) with no fatigue.

Let’s break this down a little further. Fishing faster often produces strikes that are pure reaction. Muskie don’t like things moving at high speeds zooming right in front of their face. Plus, it’s much easier on your arms to retrieve smaller baits fast. Now, think about what lure selection your fellow anglers are using to target muskie. Chances are most muskie guys are casting big baits, Bulldogs, Jackpots and Cow Girls. Our metro area lakes are generally small lakes and the muskies that live in them see so many lures it’s incredible. Some of the best spots we know have a virtual train of anglers hitting them. At times I’ve seen muskie anglers bunched up like walleye fisherman on a rock pile. So show the muskies a different lure, a smaller faster moving lure that you can cast all day long and you’ll see good results.

Your equipment should be a beefy baitcasting bass rod or lightweight muskie rod spooled with 30lb superline. I also like14lb mono in some situations . Most importantly make sure you are using a straight wire muskie leader of great strength. I recommend using .051 wire with a 175lb  swivel. Your lure selection should include: 1 oz spinnerbaits with a willow blade, Rattletraps, 4-6 inch shallow diving crankbaits, and bass size topwaters such as Zara Spooks and buzz baits. 

Locating the local muskie is also relatively simple. Find the outside weedline and fish it. In most of our local muskie lakes the weedline is visible and appears in 5-15 feet of water. Turns and points in the weedline are excellent places to concentrate your efforts. Weed flats are also good place and you can cover lots of water fast. As always, stay alert for following fish and finish your cast with an “L” turn at the side of the boat. Many strikes occur at boatside!

After you have landed that beauty muskie please release it in the kindest manner possible. You should carry a long-nose hookout, a jaw spreader that is attached to a rope, which in turn is attached to your boat (in case you drop the fish in the water it does not swim away with a jaw spreader holding it’s mouth open) and a bolt cutter. When unhooking the muskie if you have any doubt about your safety or the muskie’s cut it free with the bolt cutter. The fish will survive and you won’t be making a trip to the hospital.

Muskie fishing is the most exhilarating freshwater fishing experience you can have. Muskies jump, bulldog and power roll like no other fish. Your knees will shake and the perspiration will flow in anticipation of a following fish eating boat side. Lightweight gear allows you more opportunity to cover water and present lures that are not often seen by muskies. Incorporate this method and you will increase your muskie catch! Good luck.

Effective Bass Baits for Muskie

Please Share This Post