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5:07 pm
I'm heading to Thousand Islands NY in mid-September (Wellesley Island). Never really targeted muskies before but I wouldn't mind trying it on this trip. I have downriggers and a couple of medium trolling rods w/ baitcaster reels. Would 20 lbs test w/ 100-lbs flourocarbon or steel leaders work for trolling? Is that the way to go or should I cast for them? Recommendations on what to use for lures as well as rod/reel would be appreciated. Again, I'm new to this so don't laugh too hard...
5:50 pm
August 28, 2007
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I would start by using at least 80lb braided line and 130lb florocarben leader. Trolling is the best way to cover water up there, casting bulldawgs at weedbeds and break lines never hurts. Make sure you have the proper release tools on board and very handy. Long needle nose pliers, jaw spreaders, heavey duty longhandled side cutters and a big net. Keep the fish in the net, under water while doing the hook removal. Quick pic and a good release. And don't ever hold a muskie vertical! Hope this helps, Good Luck
ITS NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR BOAT
ITS THE SIZE OF WHATS ON YOUR BUMPBOARD!
M.T.F
1:56 am
April 29, 2007
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Great advice Jeremy, I agree trolling is the way to go. For lures, you can't beat an 8 inch or 10 inch beleiver, bucher depth raider, and 10 inch jake. Make sure all hooks are 'sticky' sharp where they stick in your fingernail. Natural colors are good, walleye color or anything with brown in it is good. Firetiger, black perch or jailbird work well too. Good luck, hope you catch a big pig!
Team MTF
3:31 pm
June 29, 2005
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Hicangler,
Your setup is fine as long as your 20lb Mono is fresh. Braid doesn't work as well with a downrigger system. Make sure your releases are in good working order and your drag is set on the light side. Lures can be any of the mentioned. I've seen natural as well as bright lures work up there. Don't expect a lot of action, but if you get bit, it could be a big one!
Good Luck!
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.
1:22 am
Thanks to all of you for the great advice! A couple of more questions and I'll try to let you alone...
1. Net - what do you recommend? I see a lot of the rubber nets being used.
2. Side Cutters - not sure what these are - could you provide a brand name so I can try to find a pair?
3. Leaders - should I use flourocarbon or steel, and how long should they be? Any particular kind of fasteners/clips on the leaders that are recommended?
4. If I go w/ braided line, should I just attach the braided line to either the f-carbon or steel leader, or should I run a 20-lb f-carbon leader then attach the final leader?
Thanks again!!
2:35 am
hicangler,
As for a net I would recommend a this frabill net and if you can afford and have the space for bigger go for it..
http://www.frabill.com/index.p.....gory_id=19
Side cutters or bolt cutters. You can get a pair at Sears for $15. Make sure they can cut through a 5/0 hook if you are using them, but most should.
For the leaders I think most guys that troll (sorry not a troller) use floro for the little stretch to help when a fish hits at high speed. Hopefully some of the guys who troll can give you better advise..
If you use braid just tie it to the leader, but make sure when you spool it on you reel you use mono backing or some electrical tape on the spool so the braid doesn't slip on the spool.
Thanks,
Sebastian
3:31 am
April 29, 2007
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I am a st. lawrence river troller, actually I'm heading up tommorow for a 6 day musky trip ;D I'm no expert, but here's my input on the questions asked:
1. Net - ditto on what Sebskie said.
2. I don't have side cutters, but I like the Knipex straight hook cutters which run about $50.
3. Leaders - After using flouro for 6 or 7 seven years and recently trying straight wire, I've come to one conclusion...it's doesn't make a bit of difference to the fish! (just my opinion) If your using flouro, go with the 14 inch 130# stealth leaders. The snaps that come on them are Stringease snaps and they are very good, make sure to order a bag of 25 smaller size snaps (size 4 I beleive) and replace them when the black coating is worn off. The snaps will wear out long before the leader does.
4. Ditto on what Sebskie said.
Please feel free to ask any other questions here, there are a lot of knowledgable musky fishermen that can help out.
Musky fishing isn't cheap, but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun! Best of luck!
Tim
Team MTF
3:52 am
I really appreciate all of your advice!
T_Musky - have you ever fished in the Wellesley Island for musky or know anything about it as far as muskies being taken in that area? We'll also be targeting smallmouth and pike.
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