Right on guys. I guess the next debatable thing would be what classifies as “big baits”. Sometimes I think putting out like a #9 shallow shad rap will keep the door open for either a big walleye or medium size pike. Most the time I’m with my 6 yr old son and would like to keep the potential open for catching something not just the monsters. The biggest musky I’ve caught (45″) was caught on a #5 shad rap (not the norm, I know)
And so if I go with some heavy fluro leaders, you think heavy braid to the leader is a good choice?
I want to preface everything I’m about to say by stating that I am far from a musky expert… But hopefully I can help you and your boy have some fun. I started trolling for muskies because it fit my family circumstances. I started by using my deep water walleye trolling rods (Shimano Compre, 8′ telescoping). I had only 3 musky baits (A 10″ Jake, a Rapala Super Shad Rap, and a Bucktail). I only had 1 or 2 leaders and I was only using #14 Suffix 832. I had caught several muskies before I did lose one because of not having a leader… It was only then that I finally went out and bought enough 100# Fluoro VMC leaders for all my rods. I also upgraded to an Okuma muskie setup and 80# superline but if my kids come out with me we are still running at least one of walleye trolling rods with 14# 832. The fish almost always seem to choose the walleye rod to the point that it makes me wonder if the heavier line actually does spook them. My point is if you’re just getting started don’t overthink it too much, just have fun and upgrade along the way.
As far as baits go I have added about a dozen more baits to my arsenal, but more them half of them are Super Shad Raps. Hardcore Musky folks will probably laugh at me for admitting that, but quite honestly every single Musky that I’ve caught in the last 2 years (more than 10) has been on a Perch Colored Super Shad Rap. If you’re purely fishing trophy muskies you’d probably choose to run 12″ and even bigger baits, but for what you’re doing I would say running Super Shad Raps is the perfect middle of the road choice that will (it has for me) catch both muskies and big pike. Since I also know right where you’re planning to troll I will give you an exact idea of what I would use… Talk to Suzy and get one of the “secret” baits that they have at the office in fire tiger color, Perch Super Shad Rap, Mullet Colored Super Shad Rap, Large (1 OZ or bigger) 5 of Diamonds DareDevil, and if you want to add more pike to the mix throw in an Orange Original Floating Rapala #13 or a FireTiger #14 Husky Jerk.
Hope that helps!
Will
EDIT – One other area that I neglected to add is in addition to taking your tackle into consideration, IMO it is more important to make sure that you are properly prepared for handling a big fish in case you do catch one…I know I was somewhat under-prepared. I would suggest getting a heavy duty 8″ pliers, an 8″ or larger hook cutter (See Rapala Website for example), a jaw spreader, and a kevlar glove. The larger pliers and glove should help you to keep fish in the water while unhooking them (NOTE that it is the head/gills that are most important to keep in the water as much as possible) and the hook cutter is often necessary as they do like to roll in the net and cutting a hook is much cheaper than cutting your net to get them out quickly. As big and tough as they are in the water Muskies are actually pretty wimpy when it comes to care and handling. Only taking them out of a quick picture is important, but also please stop trolling and take the time to revive all fish. Also, as I’ve learned from those who are more avid esox fisherman, vertical holds can be harmful so please always pick up and hold with two hands.
EDIT #2 – Don’t always follow the crowds… Hint Hint.
