Lighter tackle

[Guest]

Did anyone else read the article in this month's Midwest Outdoors magazine about using lighter tackle to catch (more) muskies? I guess the author claims he outfishes lots of people using 14lb mono and lighter tackle.

Some of it makes sense, but 14lb mono having plenty of strength pulling in a huge ski? Anyone's thoughts?

[David Swenson]

My guess is if he is catching more, they are smaller (less than 20 lbs). It also is hard on the fish if you are using to light a tackle. It requires the fish to become extremely tired before landing because you have to play them much longer. Also, more likely a muskie will break off with a lure stuck in the mouth, not very good for the fish.

It will be easier on the fish and less heartbreak for you using the tried and true heavy equipment. Imagine using 14 lb mono and you hook a 40 lber, who will probably win? I would bet on the fish. My suggestion, stick with the big stuff.

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

[paperlipz]

I'd like to talk to Mr. 14lb mono after he has a 50" strike at boatside. No chance. Give me the heavy stuff. Why risk loosing or killing the fish of a lifetime on light tackle.

[DUCKJ]

not saying that it can be done on a regular basis but i got a 48 inch ski last spring on 6lb test and it swam through every weed patch it could find. just depends on how the fish is hooked and how good of a drag system you got on your reel. no i wouldnt use this on perpose, i wouldnt use anything under 30 lb for that matter but it can be done.

happy huntign
duck

[guideman]

Hi All,
I would have to agree wth Dave on this one. With the thin diameter of todays
new super lines it just isn't necessary
to go light.

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Ace guide service.
Beautiful Lake Vermilion.
aceguideservice.com
[email protected]

[CorynTracySellHomes]

I agree with the thinner line not being a good alternative for fishing muskies for all of the reasons stated above. But, I had heard of a guy using 80lb Vanish for his leaders and claiming he had much better action with his jerkbaits, and more strikes, also he had stated that he had yet to lose a fish to a bite off with this setup. I would be curious to see other peoples thoughts on this!

Cory Frantzick

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Visit us on the web at www.Athomeonthelake.com

[Pig_sticka]

fishing with a small zebco combo (the 5'6" kinda that you get in the 20 dollar packages) and using a really small mepps spinner i caught a nice 15# muskie fishing inbetween my dad and uncle (both using muskie rods and huge baits). i then wanted to switch baits right after and went with a really small rapala and had on another muskie near 20lbs. got off because my dad couldn't grab onto it, cuz the back of the fish was too big.
i was only using maybe 8# test at most and both the fish didn't break my line. my dad and uncle were both fully loaded for muskies and didn't get one fish that day.
i was about 12 years old then, maybe it was just my day in the sun but i will always remember it. i figured it was worth postin in this line conversation, that small lures/lines will work in some isntances.