Figure 1- Muskies are adapted to massacre their prey.
When I’m on the water, I dream of past Muskie encounters. It’s usually about this time, when my rod stops abruptly, and I begin to feel a massive headshake. Muskies are known to be rare. So rare, that many believe they are the fish of 1,000 casts. Over the summer of 2011, me and a few fellow fishing partners proved this case to be false. Let’s discuss how to target this species and establish patterns throughout the heat of summer.
Generally speaking, Esox Masquinongy (Natural Muskellunge) are most active during mid-summer nights and at daybreak. However for us, we found some noteworthy recommendations regarding our findings on a mid-day summer bite. I was able to really get on a pattern this summer, working out in what I like to call “bay-space”. When I say “bay-space” I am talking about finding deep water around 20-25ft, localized in large bay areas. These bay areas are the warmest water areas in most lakes; and warm water triggers big Muskies to strike. Once you localize these deep bay areas, use your trolling motor and literally work all of the deepest water in the bay. Start on the drops, then troll all the way across the whole stretch of deep water and hit the other side of the drop-off. A good way to fish through areas with warm and deep areas is to slow your presentations down, as well as work your baits through the middle depths of the water column. In figure 2, one of the most successful deep water Muskie baits is shown. These baits are best worked with a subtle jerk-pause motion imitating a wounded bait fish. In figure three, I have constructed a diagram on how to successfully work “bay-space” with your trolling motor.
Figure 2- Two effective types of color schemes for summer Muskie. The name of the company who constructs these baits is Bulldawg; these baits are in the magnum size and colored Northern Pike and Apricot.
Figure 3 – Fully cover the “bay-space” area with a snake-like theme. If there are two anglers in the boat, make sure to cast in opposite directions for maximum productivity.
I truly believe that a Muskie roughly sees someone’s fishing lure at least once a week, especially in lakes with high user rates. With this being said, it is important to be on the water during peak feeding times. I turned the same fish 6 times this year. I then brought my friend Austin Vig (member of the Professional Muskie Tournament Trail) out to the location of this fish. It was about his fifth cast that this fish struck a large purple spinner bait (Figure 4). This proves another key point regarding Muskie fishing at any time of the year; never be afraid to throw the most bizarre bait in your box because sometimes these fish just want something they have never seen before.
Figure 4 – Austin releases the 49 ¾” fish which ate bizarre, purple, spinner bait
Figure 5 – Myself with a smaller fish taken on a Bulldawg soft plastic in “bay-space.”
Now, with these crucial components of mid-summer muskies, I hope that you try some of these techniques. I am here to help and share my knowledge, passion, and love for fishing. So get out there and pursue the elusive Muskie; because time spent on the water, is time well spent.
Remember, in order to follow a pattern, you must first establish one. My job is to help you establish that pattern. Just a few final words: Let’s keep these majestic fish around for future generations. Release every Muskie you catch. Record the length and girth, and you can have an artist make you a life-like replica! This way you can be proud to say, “Yup, she’s still out there swimming.”
Figure 6 – Austin measures out the 49 ¾” Muskie
Figure 7 – (TES) Time on the water = Establishing a Pattern = Success.
Love where we live and be thankful for the greatness of our remaining underwater ecosystems,
Zachary Fasking
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Someone I know suggested I take a look at your website. It’s quite impressive. Perhaps you can suggest how I can avoid always fishing in the ‘dead sea’. It might just be my ill informed fishing guides. Maybe my technique or lack there of? You’re the expert.
Kim, the “dead-sea” is a common theme with a lot of fishermen who do not spent lots of time on the water. One way you can improve your techniques and catch more fish is formulating a game plan on the body of water. Here are three good things to consider.
1.) What is your target specie?
2.) What kind of baitfish are in the area, specific to your specie which you are targeting.
3.) What time of the day is your specie most active, and what type of structure will your specie most likely be hanging around?
-Hope this helps,
Zachary Fasking