Final Checklist Items for Opening Weekend
With the opening of the 2013 Minnesota Muskie season just around the corner, I want to share some simple things to make sure every angler has completed BEFORE jumping in the boat at first light on opening day.
Equipment Check
Making sure each and every piece of equipment you will use is in working fashion. From your trolling motor, all the way to your knots you tie on your line. Personally, I like to change out my line on my reels each and every year. Having that confidence knowing you have a fresh spool of line that is spooled on correctly and nice and strong is the first key ingredient. The next thing I HIGHLY suggest is to make sure each and every hook on your lures is sharp. It can make a huge difference when fish seem to not be as active and only nip at the bait. I try and keep my Lures razor sharp all season long to make sure of a good hook set and make sure the hook penetrates the tough lip on a Muskies mouth. Finally, but mostly important is to make sure you have your proper tools ready to go on opening day. Items that are a must in every Muskie boat include: Hook Cutters, Jaw Spreaders, Pliers, and Hook Sharpeners. We work so hard to get a fish in the boat, you hate to get one and not have the proper tools to get the fish unhooked. Overall, doing a check over on each and every piece of equipment goes a long way. The last thing you want is to not have something work. Also, charge up the digital camera for a quick snapshot of your trophy, but keep in mind, the fish should only be out of the water for only about 20 seconds! C&R is what we all live by.
Creating a Plan
With all the time that has passed from the end of last season, we have all been thinking about where we are going to start on the water and what lure we will first throw on that opening day. More than likely, we will all be heading to our favorite piece of water and fishing spots we have had success in the past. Having that plan of where to fish and what to use on opening day can be crucial, but the one thing to remember is that sometimes it’s best to not have a plan! With Muskie fishing, you can almost always count on having a change of plans or getting creative with spots or baits. Having contour map, or on your electronics is critical. Being able to adjust to what the lake, or mother nature throws at you can be the difference between a great weekend and a total bust.
Final Suggestions
With all of us MuskieHeads itching to get on the water, having a safe and fun weekend is the main thing. One thing that I think goes unnoticed is the etiquette of Muskie fisherman. I have had a few separate situations with dealing with others on the water. Being able to go out and enjoy this great sport is all that we want to see and hear about. There is not a place for cutting people off, yelling, or even casting at other boats. If you have been in a popular spot during prime time on any Muskie lake you know what I am talking about. There is plenty of lake for all of us to enjoy, so this weekend make sure to go out and have fun. There is nothing like being out on the water with your buddies chasing this magical fish. Good luck to everyone on opening weekend, and also the 2012 season!
With the opening of the 2013 Minnesota Muskie season just around the corner, I want to share some simple things to make sure every angler has completed BEFORE jumping in the boat at first light on opening day.
Equipment Check
Making sure each and every piece of equipment you will use is in working fashion. From your trolling motor, all the way to your knots you tie on your line. Personally, I like to change out my line on my reels each and every year. Having that confidence knowing you have a fresh spool of line that is spooled on correctly and nice and strong is the first key ingredient. The next thing I HIGHLY suggest is to make sure each and every hook on your lures is sharp. It can make a huge difference when fish seem to not be as active and only nip at the bait. I try and keep my Lures razor sharp all season long to make sure of a good hook set and make sure the hook penetrates the tough lip on a Muskies mouth. Finally, but mostly important is to make sure you have your proper tools ready to go on opening day. Items that are a must in every Muskie boat include: Hook Cutters, Jaw Spreaders, Pliers, and Hook Sharpeners. We work so hard to get a fish in the boat, you hate to get one and not have the proper tools to get the fish unhooked. Overall, doing a check over on each and every piece of equipment goes a long way. The last thing you want is to not have something work. Also, charge up the digital camera for a quick snapshot of your trophy, but keep in mind, the fish should only be out of the water for only about 20 seconds! C&R is what we all live by.
Creating a Plan
With all the time that has passed from the end of last season, we have all been thinking about where we are going to start on the water and what lure we will first throw on that opening day. More than likely, we will all be heading to our favorite piece of water and fishing spots we have had success in the past. Having that plan of where to fish and what to use on opening day can be crucial, but the one thing to remember is that sometimes it’s best to not have a plan! With Muskie fishing, you can almost always count on having a change of plans or getting creative with spots or baits. Having contour map, or on your electronics is critical. Being able to adjust to what the lake, or mother nature throws at you can be the difference between a great weekend and a total bust.
Final Suggestions
With all of us MuskieHeads itching to get on the water, having a safe and fun weekend is the main thing. One thing that I think goes unnoticed is the etiquette of Muskie fisherman. I have had a few separate situations with dealing with others on the water. Being able to go out and enjoy this great sport is all that we want to see and hear about. There is not a place for cutting people off, yelling, or even casting at other boats. If you have been in a popular spot during prime time on any Muskie lake you know what I am talking about. There is plenty of lake for all of us to enjoy, so this weekend make sure to go out and have fun. There is nothing like being out on the water with your buddies chasing this magical fish. Good luck to everyone on opening weekend, and also the 2012 season!