New to Musky Fishing

I'm looking to get into musky fishing this spring. I've become very knowledgeable in ice fishing over the years and somewhat for walleye in open water, but I'm looking to try something new, I'm a junior in high school so I made not made of money but I work two jobs so I am able to get some decent equipment. I've tossed a few baits for musky when we went up to Canada a few years ago but outside of that I have never really been out. I'm looking for a good rod and reel that I can use for a variety of baits bulldawgs, top raiders, double 10 bucktails. Then what kind of line do I use, I've read that you shouldn't go less than 100lbs. Then what time of leaders, steal or fluro, if I get fluro I would be getting the pre tied leaders. What are some baits to go with(size/color) and what ones work best in spring then in summer, I don't get out during the fall because football, work and bow hunting take up much of my time. If anyone has any suggested websites or stores that have good deals. (I live in central Wisconsin so I would mostly be fishing around here, but I do go up north now and then) Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have read through most of the posts on here but I just wanted to make sure I get answers that most benefit me. If I can ever help anyone in return I would be more than happy too! Thanks!

Look up the Muskies First web page and under the forums you will find everything you need. Go to the "tackle and equipment" forum and do a search for all of your above mentioned questions and you find all the answers you need. Extremely helpful people on that site. Also browse the Buy/Sell/Trade forum and you will be able to pick up used gear at good prices. I have and will continue to buy stuff from this site. Have to check it often though as the good stuff goes fast. Another thing to consider is checking out Rollie and Helens Musky Shop on line or their catalog. They have kits put together for people getting into the sport. These kits are anything from just baits to full on set ups. They can get you started as well. BEst of luck, tight lines.

Try hooksetters.biz for some reputable C. WI guides and information. There are others that I can't think of, but I'm sure google will tell you. There are many local spots to try. Don't go buying too much stuff until you know more about what areas, boat, lakes and lure applications you'll be using. Go to a good seminar or fifty to learn new things. Hire a guide if you want a faster learning curve. Check out youtube videos and listen and watch. Be patient with yourself because it can be frustrating. Bigger fish and predictable patterns take time to figure out. Can't wait for spring to get here.

dux42 check your PM.

I'm looking for a good rod and reel that I can use for a variety of baits bulldawgs, top raiders, double 10 bucktails. Aren't we all? This really depends on your budget and what you like. I am a big fan of Abu Garcia and I use the Revo Toros 61s and like them a lot. For rods I have heard great things about Tackle Industries rods and my next one will be one of those. I currently use a Musky Innovations and Okuma rods and like them as well. Then what kind of line do I use, I've read that you shouldn't go less than 100lbs. I like either Cortland or Cabela's Ripcord Si. You do not have to use 100#, I use almost all 80#. But if you plan on throwing pounders or other bigger baits then go with 100# Then what time (you mean type?) of leaders, steal or fluro, if I get fluro I would be getting the pre tied leaders. I like and mainly use Leader and Lures leaders. They are multi-strand (cable) wire and rarely kink. I also use single strand (piano wire) that I bend myself. I use the cable type for bucktails, cranks, Dawgs and use the single strand for jerks, walk the dog topwaters and jerks, etc. I have gotten away from fluorocarbon, I have not had issues but it can be cut and I have heard about it from some fellow anglers. So I avoid fluoro. What are some baits to go with(size/color) and what ones work best in spring then in summer, It really depends on the color of the water, time of year, and what you have confidence in. There are no right answers as any bait can and will catch fish. If anyone has any suggested websites or stores that have good deals. The top two muskie web sites I know of is Musky Hunter and Muskies First. Muskies 1st has a swap board and you could pick up some gear at reasonable prices.

There is a bunch of knowledge and like minded folks in Muskies, Inc. (Muskies Inc web site) That is where I learned a bulk of it back in the mid-80s. Our club (Capital City Chapter) holds a muskie school each March (this yr the 16th) and its open to the public. Its held at the Waunakee High School just north of Madison WI. Lots of topics to choose from. And application is available now at the Cap City web site .click here. The school is put on by local muskie guys that have gain knowledge throughout the years. We have been getting nothing but rave reviews for our efforts. We do make a little money with this event, but it goes back into a scholarship and stocking. So its a win-win. PM me if you have any questions.