Angling for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is a specialized endeavor involving species-specific equipment and handling procedures. The latter were developed by anglers with little influence from fisheries managers or the scientific community. Today, release rates approach 100% for specialized anglers; therefore, a formal evaluation of these procedures was warranted. Using two handling treatments – one toRead More >
Muskellunge researchers in Wisconsin use scientific experiments to find ways to improve muskellunge populations, and as a result improve the quality of muskellunge angling. A good research program forms a solid foundation that enables biologists to manage and protect muskellunge for future generations. Research studies take on a variety of shapes and forms from evaluationRead More >
When it comes to rock bars, this one has it all — boulders, a gradual slope before a sudden drop-off to a main lake basin, and located on an island that already is a must-fish spot. This rock bar is a veritable “spot on the spot.”Yet I had never caught a musky there. Musky Hunter’sEditor,Read More >
“Honey, I’m leaving for fishing practice now, see you later.” What? Fishing practice? Sounds absurd doesn’t it? While your spouse or significant other may be suspicious, I submit it’s not absurd at all. We practice hoops, golf, shooting-heck every sport we engage in except fishing. I wouldn’t waste valuable hunting time without practicing with anyRead More >
Hi folks. This topic came to mind as I sat in a tree bow hunting in early November. This bow season, I really tinkered with scent. Eliminating mine (carbon lined clothing, spray-on scent eliminators, etc.) and trying to attract deer with various sorts of homemade and commercial concoctions. Why? Curiosity, and, of course, trying toRead More >
Hi folks. It’s August as I sit here typing this, and I’m reflecting on a three day Lake of the Woods trip my wife and I just completed. I decided that what we did on this particular trip, and why, might be interesting and a little thought provoking. So here’s a summary. We caught 9Read More >
Ah, the good old Spinnerbait, one of the most fish catchingest baits ever designed. The ultimate “crescent wrench”. A tool that works fast, slow, shallow, deep, and in almost any kind of structure you can encounter. Here I’ll talk about fishing weeds and rocks with a spinnerbait. Being the versatile tool it is, a spinnerbaitRead More >
Hey, I like to run and gun like everyone else. If the fish are ‘going,’ it’s hard to beat the wham-bam and move on approach. Likewise, if I’m scouting new water it makes sense to put on a bucktail, surface bait or some other search bait that lets me cover and learn the water quickly.Read More >
Hi folks. In my opinion muskies, like whitetails, are creatures of edges. However, I wonder how many of us addicts think about edges and their importance to our success. Until recently I really hadn’t considered combining edges as a ‘thought process’ I should be concerned about when on the water. When deer hunting I wouldRead More >
Hi Folks. Well, it’s August again as I write this, and time to reflect on the past month fishing the mesotrophic portions of Lake Of The Woods. A strange year indeed. I was there for opening day, and had water temperatures in the 61 degree range. When I returned two weeks later, the water temperatureRead More >
Hi folks. I write this just after returning from the Canadian opener. Only spent two days but had a great time and boated some very nice fish. One of the many things I enjoy about the opener is I get to test the many ‘experiments’ I’ve invested time and money in over the winter. OccasionallyRead More >
As I sit down to write this column its April and while trying to decide on a topic I get a call from a friend who says, “Dick there’s still 25 inches of ice on Lake Of The Woods, last year I was trolling for lakers there at this time, what’s going to happen onRead More >
