05-11-2005, 07:18 AM
[green]Fishing For Spring Tiger Muskies[/green] [ul] [ul] [ul]by Tom Pinckney, 03-17-01[/ul][/ul][/ul]
I've been fishing for Tiger Muskies at Little Seneca Lake, Boyds, Maryland for almost 6 years now. As a converted LM Bass fisherman (fished for Bass since the early 70s), I've come to appreciate these awesome predators for their beauty and tenacious fighting ability. Once you've caught a big Tiger, you kind of forget about Bass fishing!
One of the things I've learned about these crazy fish is that once you think you have them figured out, they act totally different. Then you realize you don't know quite as much about catching them as you thought, and that there aren't really any experts on Tiger Muskie fishing. Tigers are a "different bird" than "Naturals! Although conventional Muskie fishing methods sometimes work on Tigers, I've discovered that sometimes those same methods are useless, and that you must change your seasonal tactics to catch them regularly. Sometimes they act more like Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, or Walleyes!
I've felt for several years that Bass (or Walleye) fisherman catch more Tigers by accident in the Spring, than Muskie fisherman do on purpose! I was just starting to realize this, when something happened to open my eyes as to what is necessary to catch them regularly. I bought a new book called the Muskie Manual II, by Danny Wade. Danny is a Musky guide at Salt Fork Lake in Ohio. Articles in the book are helping me realize that some of my theories on catching Tigers in the Spring were right. However, I had never fully pursued those ideas and had been fishing for Muskies the same way all year round - huge lures in deep water (ala Buck Perry)! You must change tactics each season to catch Tigers regularly!
Muskies move into very shallow water in the Spring in the backs of coves, flats, near sloping shorelines, and emerging weedbeds in search for food and for spawning (Tigers, although sterile hybrids, do act out a spawning ritual). These areas are usually adjacent to deep water as an escape route in the event of danger. The key here is that at this time of the year, baitfish are not fully grown, and that Muskies are eating them! The consistantly successful angler (remember-we are talking about fishing in reservoirs that primarily have forage fish that are either shad or minnows), must "match the hatch." Thus you need to use lures that are a similar size (4") to the real thing. Also remember that the fish's metabolism is very slow during Spring due to cold water.
Successful anglers change tactics! It is quite simple...fish small lures slowly in shallow water, in the same areas as the Tigers eat! Careful trolling (not Zombie trolling) the right places covers more water successfully.
Trolling Tackle
The same heavy tackle used for "Naturals" works for Tigers. I like a 7' (or longer) St. Croix or Falcon (med-hvy or heavy baitcaster) Musky rod. Abu-Garcia 6500 C-3s, Daiwa Sealine LCW linecounter reels, or Penn's are all durable and have smooth drags.
Casting Tackle
If you prefer to cast during the Spring, use heavy Bass casting gear for these smaller lures. I like St. Croix, Shimano or Falcon med-hvy, 6 1/2 or 7 footers. Reels - I prefer the Abu-Garcia 5000C (no longer manufactured, but available) or the 5500C.
Line
Danny and I both use Spiderwire Braid. This small diameter line is tuff, limber, and perfect for trolling and casting small lures. Note: I occasionally cut the line back to prevent fraying. I also reverse it on my reel spool occasionally (like a flyline), to get extra use out of it. Power Pro braid is also good. Match the line size to your equipment.
Leaders
Danny does not use a leader while trolling. He does use one while casting. I use a leader at all times and make my own from Sevenstrand wire. Although Danny says he never loses a fish (due to line failure while trolling), and gets better action that way, I have not adapted that method (still afraid to!) yet. Check it out for yourself!
Lures
Small, minnow lures (Rapalas, etc.), spoons (Daredevils) and in-line or safety-pin spinners in colors similar to the baitfish in your lake should work fished just above the weeds. Bright colors - bright days, dark colors - dark days, seem to work best, with chartruese a good choice for stained water. Color adjustments must be made for your lake's water color. Hooks should be increased to a size or two bigger, with stronger split rings added. Yamamoto Hula-Skirted [url "http://toothycritters.com//jig_fishing.html"]Jigs[/url] on weedless lead-heads are also deadly. I always sharpen my lures' hooks just prior to use.
These methods work! Give them a try and let me know how you do. If you would like to learn more, purchase the Musky Manual II. Note: I've read all of the newer books (Bucher, Saric, Rizzo, etc.), and feel that it's the best book of all of them for the newby or veteran angler. It takes a no-nonsense/no frills approach to Muskie fishing and is written in plain, English. A bargain for around $20 bucks! Contact [url "http://users.clover.net/muskyman/page49.html"][blue]Danny Wades' Ohio Musky Page[/blue][/url] if you would like to purchase a copy of this great book.
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