Musky leader

Last season I tinkered with the skis using my heavy bass gear. After a few follows and ONE brief hook up I realized it was time beef up the gear…ALOT!! My go to set up will be a compre 7’6″ heavy/abu garcia C3 spooled with PP80#.

I think I have most my bases covered except what leader to go with…length, test, swivel, lock?? Also, any special knots??

Besides the rod/tackle/lures, what tools should be in my boat to deal with them more efficiently when I get them in the boat?

BIRDDOG

when trolling I like to use 24″ 80# flurocarbon with # 4 lok # 5 swivel.For casting I like 9″ 12″ multi strand 60-90# #4 lock #4 swivel.for jerkbaits if I have any around I will use what i call rod leader or jerk bait leader.As for other helpful tools I would get a pair of needle nose pliers 12″ or bigger a pair of wire snips to cut hooks. Hopefully this will help you a little bit and good luck this year. PS dont forget the camera

The last couple of years I have gone to Flouro for everything except jerkbaits. I use the 15″ 130# for most casting applications, 60″ 200lb for trolling, and the 12″ 174lb Single Strand steel for jerks. All three from Thorne Bros. Many people are of the belief that muskies don’t pay attention to leaders, and in most instances I would have to agree (ie reaction strikes), but when you have a neutral fish on a pressured lake, I guess I will try to exploit every advantage I can. Including, a leader that disappears in the water. I think there is a lot that can be learned by what the saltwater guys have been doing for years, leaders are just the beginning.

Thanks guys, I’m giving thorn a look up when I’m done here. Another question…I almost exclusively tie a palomar with my super lines when trolling for eyes. Will the palomar do me or do you guys run a different knot?

Thanks again

BIRDDOG

Is there a different knot?

I would also get your self a Big Beckman Landing Net mine has more than paid for it self I would also get your self a Muskie box to hold those big baits, and last but not least get a first aid kit cause Muskie’s always seem to make me bleed

I second the landing net suggestion, as well as the other necessary hook removal tools. A couple other items you won’t ever want to forget it a camera and polarized glasses.

I also got a hook burried in my hand last year for the first time. Make sure you have a hook cutter (like a small bolt cutter) that can cut a heavy muskie lure hook. You won’t believe how happy you’ll be if you have a hook in your hand and the fish still attached.