Summer Yet?!?!

[IcEaHoLiC]

All this talk about muskies and seeing these posts makes me wanna go out to muskie fish......and after finally getting my first muskie last year I cant stop thinking about them. Sadly I have been muskie fishing for a couple years and actually got my first 2 last year the first one being 43"-44"........I have seen countless muskie follow my baits including some real close to 50" (even had one attack the trolling motor ) right up to the boat but right before I begin the figure eight they quickly dissapear......anyone have any tips on triggering these fish that follow to the boat?

[freighttrain50]

sorry i cant help ya. i'm a newbie to this sport and just got tons of gear for xmas and cant wait to try it out and get my first. all i can say is, everyone on here has been a great help for and probably will be for you. Thanks all!

[BIG]

I won't saw much but try an 8 foot rod and begin the figure 8 - way out, not next to the boat........if you see them speed it up.....you can't believe how fast they can move......almost trying to take it away from them...

[Esoxmn]

If they are darting away before the 8, mabee they are seeing you. Try geting your rod tip down in the water as the bait nears the boat and do a deep figure 8.

[guideman]

Hey Icehololic,

Not all fish will respond to a figure 8, Esoxmn's advice however was right on. If you make a deep wide sweep you are bound to trigger more fish to strike. Try to get in the habbit of going into it after every cast with a smooth motion, that will help you to avoid spooking the fish away. I know

it can be tough to do when you see a Big fish on your bait however it will pay off. I also like to use longer rods as it makes it much easier to put the lure in front of deep following fish.

"Ace"

[Esoxmn]

Have you tried a throw back bait? If you are useing a fast moveing lure, and have a follow, cast back if it does'nt hit, have another poll or just switch to a slower moveing bait, or vice versa.

Also look at the areas you are seeing these fish. Look for the "spot on the spot" that will be the areas you will most likely get the fish to hit. They could be inside turns or points, or just an area of more dense weed growth, rock pile. Remember the fish will move to feeding area's. Fish these areas more turoughly. It might also help to paint catch and release on the bottom of your boat.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Quote:

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I have seen countless muskie follow my baits including some real close to 50" (even had one attack the trolling motor

) right up to the boat but right before I begin the figure eight they quickly dissapear......anyone have any tips on triggering these fish that follow to the boat?

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I learned a big lesson last summer while fishing Lake Harriet. The water is so clear on that lake that you have to be in position to do your figure 8 well before the lure gets back to the boat. If I was not in position to do the figure 8 then the fish would bolt as soon as I made the move to figure 8. It takes some practice to get in the habit, but I know it helps.