What lures should I start with?

[TurnUpTheFishing]

So now Ive got my setup but I only have a few larger baits that I could throw on it (several bucktails and magnum xrap). What two or three lures would you recomend for a beginner? Keep in mind I already have some bucktails.

[Tonka Boy]

I'm sure you'll try them all but a bucktail is a good place to start.

[mskyfshntchr]

Buy a topwater or two. Nothing like a muskie hitting the topwater! Get a prop style (topraider) and a walk the dog(jackpot) style. Those will get you places. Then if you enjoy it you can get creepers, hawg wobblers, etc...

Bucktails catch many fish and are easy to use, so you have a good start there.

I would get a bulldawg. Very versatile and catch fish.

Can get a suick or any of the other 1000 muskie lures there are also.

It depends on how you like to fish.

Good luck....more to the loss of finaces because of yournewfound addiction to musky fishing!

[TBone1]

Spinnerbaits are a must,they are very versatile you can fish them deep, shallow, burn them or slow roll them and they catch fish. CJs make a good quality spinnerbait, also I have heard that MG are also good. Topwaters are fun and keep things interesting,top raiders,pacemakers, or a weagle and third I like deep running cranks, depth raiders or ernies etc.

[Random guy]

1) Spinner bait for the weeds.

2) Mid size crank that dives deep for the rock reefs.

3) Prop style topwater bait.

4) Weagle (ya gotta have a weagle)

[minnesotamusky]

I agree with everyone, but would have to throw in a Hellhound too. This is my favorite bait to throw.

[ARMAN-21]

I 2nd the HELLHOUND, gotta love it! Last year on opener, I caught a 49.5 on a custom one by MRG!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Alright so I'll pick up a prop style topwater. If I were to get a crankbait what would be a good all around lure, please be specific. I was also thinking of getting some large jigs or a chatterbait.

I know it may be difficult to pick a few lures but Im already going over my original budget (imagine that ) but still want some lures that will allow me to adapt to different situations and fish different waters effectively.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

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Alright so I'll pick up a prop style topwater. If I were to get a crankbait what would be a good all around lure, please be specific. I was also thinking of getting some large jigs or a chatterbait.

I know it may be difficult to pick a few lures but Im already going over my original budget (imagine that

) but still want some lures that will allow me to adapt to different situations and fish different waters effectively.

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For a crank, it's hard to beat a depthraider. You can fish it deep, and it can be fished shallow and ripped in the weeds as well. Very versatile bait.

[The Kidd]

Its a little funny when these threads talk about peoples go-to lures, as everyone has their own favorite/confidence lures. When I read these posts, I haven't caught fish on half of the baits people suggest, but I know that they are good lures, and catch fish. If I could give you any advice, it would be to bite the bullet and spend the money to get a wide variety of lures right away. You will soon find out that the addiction is setting in, and you will be picking up lures "here and there" - and before you know it, you'll have a couple hundred dollars sitting in your $70 tackle box... may as well do it right away! The truth is, you won't believe in a bait until you see a 4 foot "log" following your magic lure (or better yet, netting a 4 foot log), and then, and only then, will you have faith in that lure. This is especially true for topwaters. Until you put in the time with them, it is hard to imagine such a hit on these baits. My suggestions for a variety of baits....

Crank - Jake & Believer

Topwater - Jackpot, Topwalker, Topraider

Others "must haves" - Bulldawg, Eagle Tail, Manta

Just my 2 cents

[porterhouse]

I'm also a fan of the Hellhound. Boated alot of fish on hellhounds last season.

For a topwater prop bait get yourself a waterchopper. Great lure, throws alot of water, and built like a tank.

For walk the dog topwaters get yourself a weagle and learn how to throw it. Must have bait!!!!!!

For crankbaits can't go wrong with Depth raiders or slammers.

Also get yourself a red/white J-mac jig with salty tails. Great throw back baits!!!!!!!!

Brian

[Andrew Erickson]

ya gotta get a phantom!They are really great baits and put alot of fish in the boat for me

[Tonka Boy]

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For walk the dog topwaters get yourself a weagle and learn how to throw it. Must have bait!!!!!!

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If you want to spend the $28. I went into Thorne Bro's the other night with the "weagle" on my brain but just couldn't spend that kind of money on a lure. I must have picked it up and put it back 10 times though. Is it really worth it? I catch plenty of skies on the jackpot, but being lighter it does get tossed too.

Sad thing is I bought 2 lures and still spent over $40. I can't imagine how much $$ I have tied up in this sport.