| Alright, so we want a muskie and we want one now! | | | | make use of these tactics is at night. Check your |
| Go to your local bait and tackle and pick up a 10-inch, | | | | local fishing reports at and look for the top menu bar |
| 3/8-ounce Double Cowgirl. This lure might scare you | | | | that says "Outdoor Activities", scroll over it, click on |
| just by its size and PRICE alone (weighing in at a | | | | "Fishing", type in your area code and you're good to |
| hefty $25 +/-), but trust me - this is what you want. | | | | go. This will show you the best times that you'll want |
| So again, don't be frightened by its size, its not like | | | | to start fishing, but even without your local fishing |
| you're going to have to impart much technique, its | | | | report, if you head out at about 8:30-9:00pm you'll be |
| basically a cast out and steady retrieve type of lure. | | | | in good shape to get started regardless. Start by |
| There are most likely other lures you could purchase, | | | | targeting an area about 5 to 10 feet deep, cast |
| such as the Magnum Boo Tail or the Shumway Giant | | | | beyond your target and crawl your lure back to the |
| Flasher, but to avoid any confusion if you're new to | | | | boat (this can be done on shore as well but might |
| this, just pick up the Double Cowgirl and you'll be | | | | not be as effective) slowly. |
| satisfied if you follow these tactics and tips. | | | | You know you're going the perfect speed when |
| So no we have our lure, but we're definitely going to | | | | you're reeling in your lure just fast enough to allow |
| want some rod and reel power. If you don't own a | | | | the blades to spin. When the blades start spinning, |
| heavy-action rod, now's the time to invest in one if | | | | they create suction behind the lure which imparts a |
| you plan on actually landing a muskie. Go with a long | | | | life-like action to the tail. Work the lure over |
| rod - 8- to 8 ½ feet - heavy-power, combine | | | | submerged structures such as sand and rock bars. If |
| this with a reel with a low speed level-wind built for | | | | you just so happen to excite a muskie and you see |
| power. | | | | it follow your lure back to the boat, stay calm and do |
| The Abu Garcia 7000 is great for this type of fishing; | | | | exactly as I say: when the lure is but a few feet |
| a very powerful bait casting reel with a great rate of | | | | away from the boat, plunge the tip of your rod into |
| retrieve that will definitely last you quite a few years. | | | | the water and start working it in a figure 8 motion. If |
| 80-pound test Spiderwire Stealth is a great choice of | | | | the muskie didn't strike before, he's almost bound to |
| line; steel leader is optional, but not recommended. | | | | after the figure 8. Work the figure 8 for as long as |
| Once you're all set on gear and tackle, it's time to | | | | you can hold the muskie's attention, and if nothing |
| get to work. As the title implies, the best time to | | | | happens, then cast out and repeat. |