Tiger Muskies

[muskieboy46]

Ive read in other forums that tiger muskies dont attack the big muskie lures. I was wondering if that was true and if so, what lures you would reccomend. Thanks

[tferch]

I have found that tigers, are simmular to other muskies, It all depends on the time of the year, and conditions. I have landed tigers on bass size spinnerbaits. As well as jackpots. I think that it may be a myth that tigers will only hit smaller baits. If you think about it a tiger is a cross between a pike and a ski. Well would you go so far as to say that pike only hit smaller baits? I think that if you are fishing waters that hold tigers fish them the same that you would any other muskies depending the conditions and time of the year.

[Tonka Boy]

I can't say I've noticed any difference in fight between a tiger, pure strand, or northern. Of course size will play a factor.

Tiger muskies are typically sterile and don't reproduce. There are occasions when it happens though, but rare.

[muskieboy46]

Well if they dont differ from regular muskies, do you have a favorite bait for tigers?

Tferch- i have had pike hit lures bigger then themselves so i dont understand the myth either.

[Guido]

Arent Tiger Muskies notoriuos for how much of a fight they put up? More so than a Pike?

Also heard they dont reproduce.

[Tonka Boy]

I haven't caught many (Tigers), but my go to lure has always been the Jackpot in black/orange. I bet I've got just as many on Johnson silver minnows while northern fishing.

I typically fish Tonka which isn't supposed to hold Tigers, however they were stocked many years ago. I've seen 2 caught on bucktails in the past 5 years. Both in the mid 30's???

You're best shot would be to hit some of the downtown lakes. Also, check out the Metro forum...there is a good thread on Tigers there.

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Tonka Boy

[muskieboy46]

Theres a couple of small lakes around my area that ive NEVER seen muskie fisherman on but ive seen the tigers. Im hoping to try these out this summer. Maybe ill hit a jackpot of muskies while using a jackpot.

[MuskyBrian]

My opinion is the fight a Musky gives you is FAR superior to that of a pike, mostly because of the acrobatics. Yes, pike will sometimes jump and dance, but not like the musky, even the little guys.

Though I have only boated less then 5 tigers, they did give me the typical musky fight. Jump, Shake, Land and then did it again, and again....

[ilikepike]

I've heard the smaller bait for tigers thing, too. But I have caught 16" pike on a 9" suick so I don't think any member of the pike family is shy of a large lure. For that matter, I caught a smallmouth bass on a muskie spinner bait up by Ely.

[Fisher Dave]

I have caught lots of tigers on decoy suckers .. some had to be 12"+ ... they will take large baits, along with any other member of the esox family... BUT.. i have caught more tigers on *smaller* baits (#9 Shad Rap, smaller musky bucktails, #11 rapala's, 3/8 oz spinnerbaits, etc).. or typical lures one would throw targeting northerns and bass. On lake Harriet in Minneapolis I often would catch 2-4 muskies a day trolling for walleyes with #9 shad raps .. most were pure, some were tigers... It used to drive the musky guys nuts when all I was trying to do was get dinner.

If I was forced to choose a lure size, I would take a mid-size lure any day before a monster bait... until late fall.. at that time put the neighbors beagle on the line and you will get hit.

[Matt Breuer]

My pops lives on a lake full of tigers, he uses a Mag Rap or a decoy sucker under a float to chase them. When I go to visit I fish crappies and usually see a fish or two everytime I visit in the summer... all after a hooked slab!

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Matthew J. Breuer
Northcountry Guide Service
[email protected]
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