Jointed or Solid? Colors?

[HuskerTornado]

When there is a choice, do you typically go for the jointed model over the solid or solid over the jointed?

I'm looking at some Believers and wanted some opinions on whether to get the solid or jointed model?

Also, would you recommend the Awaker or the solid Giant Jackpot?

I'll be a first time Muskie fisherman this summer on Leech (longtime Bass, Walleye, Pike fisherman). I'd like to get your opinions on colors/lure matches for muskie in the late June early July time period.

Thanks.

[mille lacs muskie bum]

I would say for trolling I would go with the solid and for casting the jointed. Instead of the giant jackpot get the doc, and instead of the awaker go with the top raider. I hope my info helps. Good luck.

[David Swenson]

I also would go for the solid over jointed. I would though suggest a Jake Bait over a Believer if I had a choice. I also agree a Top Raider is a better choice than the awaker (baby loon is a great color pattern). I try to stay away from walk the dog lures as my experience is lots of blow-ups and no fish! Bucktails are also great on Leech in the summer.

Firetiger, chartruese, black, and purple are just a couple of good colors for Leech.

David Swenson

http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[Big G]

As for jointed vs. solid.

I use jointed believers for casting and trolling when the water warms up. Late July into August is a great time to throw the jointed models.

The Jake is an awesome trolling and casting crank too! Great for twitching. Where the Beleiver is better for slow rolling over weeds on a slower retrieve, even a sweep/pause/reel retreive.

The Jackpot is a great lure, the Doc is a bit better. But the key thing to working these "walk the dog" lures is to work them SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! Blow ups and big misses generally occur because the fish "misses" the lure because of speed. And because of speed, the lure represents itself "bigger" than what it is. Consider this....Most of the time, "walk the dog" lures are casted over shallow areas. Areas that are generally 10' or less. Sometimes only 6 fow. Take a 4' muskie, half way in that water column, and what does it take for that fish to physically turn to shoot upwards at the top of the water???? Work the lure SLOW! Walk the dog lures are not "search" lures. They are when you know there is a fish in a specific area and you are targeting that fish. Lastly, don't set the hook unless you feel that weight of the fish on the end of your line. That is 90% of the reason the vast majority of people miss top water fish.........They pull the lure away from reaction of the exposion........The remaining 10% are because they are working the top water toooooooooo fast........

Use your Top Raider for a search tool. And if you raise a fish on your top raider and loose it, come back in an hour and throw a doc or jackpot. Better yet, give the fish a glider...........In an hour.

[guideman]

I don't often throw many jointed lures however I do troll with them on occasion. My opinion on the Doc vs the Jackpot is get a Jackpot. Docs have a

lot more weight and in my opinion, are harder to work effectively than the Jackpot.

I do agree on the Topraider vs the Awaker, I have yet to boat a fish on one and I have several. The Topraider is also more effective when used in the wind over rough water, the Awaker is more of a sutble presentation best used in calm conditions.

"Ace"

[HuskerTornado]

Do you guys typically use the Top Raider or Super Top Raider? I was at the store yesterday and wasn't sure which of those I should lean to. The guy at the store said "bigger is better" at Leech.

[Baldy's Baits]

Topraider or Super Topraider? Get one of each...they both shine at different times.

[HuskerTornado]

One thing I can say, Muskie fishing isn't cheap. I've already spent well over $150 and I have just a number of bucktails, some super shad raps, and a believer.

I'll probably just get the regular sized Top Raider to start with. If I get confident with it, then I'll buy the Super.