Trolling (with children)

[Zarkohl]

I am taking my seven year old son musky fishing for the first time. I figure trolling would be the easiest way to go. Although I have fished muskys in the past, I am not real confident on the where and when, as far as trolling goes. We will in the Bemidji area from July 4th through the weekend and looking for a good numbers lake, such as Plantanganet, Bemidji, . . . Any suggestions as to lakes, time of day, location,(deep water, edges) and presentation (line & lure types) would be appreciated. Thanks

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[Guest]

The magnum Shad Raps are good trollers, as are Cisco Kids. You might want to troll faster than you would usually, as this will help keep youngster's interested, and it is a known trigger of muskies. I would actually "speed troll" (e.g. 5 to 7 mph), but goose it up to about 2.5 to 3.5 -- also, check the action of your lures at the side of the boat before you let out lots of line.

If you run a tiller, you may want to put your lure right in the wash of the prop -- just 4 to 6 feet back. Muskies are at the top of the food chain and do not hesitate coming in to check out motor boats as they pass.

Good luck.

[SpikeRoberts]

Z,
There is a fascianting discussion of deep water trolling for Muskie in the Brainerd forum!
http://fishingminnesota.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000526.html

[David Swenson]

Try trolling bucktails on the weed edges as well as right across the top of the weed beds. Rod holders work good for youngsters in the boat.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/