Muskie Question?

I was talking to a fellow fisherman about muskie lures. He told me that the first thing he does when he buys one, is switch out the o-rings for heavier ones.

My questions are. Is that necessary? Have you ever broke an o-ring while fighting a fish?

Thank for your imput.

I have never broke one while fighting a fish, but I did straiten one out fighting a moored sailboat(oops) with #20 mono. The lure was a 9″ Suick. I guess I wasnt that dissapointed that day(got my lure back), but I would have been if it were a fish. The experience was worth it seeing a 9″ suick catapult a good 75′ in the air (excellent hang time)and come towards me.. the only day I ever dropped my fishing rod and ran! (shore fishing)

I have caught plenty of muskies on lures, never straitened one out, but I could see it happening. Its not a bad idea to switch over to 3X split rings.

Split rings. Some are worth replacing, but most are fine so long as you don’t horse big fish. Same deal with hooks.

if you buy quality hand tied baits like eagle tail or, showgirles just to name a few, you get what you pay for terry

I highly doubt you will ever straighten out a split ring. Not if your drag is set right.

If you are buying cheaper lures, then you may want to consider it…….But there have been just a few BIG muskies caught on Mille Lacs at night, during the full moon on a #12 husky jerk or a #7 shad rap…….Look at those light grade split rings on the nose!!!

If you are going to have concern with tackle/gear breakage, put most of your focus on the leader. I’ve seen leaders breakdown in all areas.
From swivels coming apart
From snaps breaking or bending straight
From TITANTIUM leaders falling apart.

Leaders is where your tackle is going to fail if you don’t pay attention or buy the cheap stuff!!!!!

Gary

Never, aside from bending the ring slightly to remove a hook or so.

Thanks for the info guys.

After this post, I took a look at my Muskie baits. I would think it would take a truck to straighten out a split ring.

Bret;
Did you sharpen your hooks yet??????

Now is the time to sharpen hooks and oil up the reels.

Nothing better to do than that anyways, while a guy watches “The Shield” on FX…….

Clean up the hooks and resharpen.
Triple check your leaders looking for quirks that may cause failure.
Polish bucktail blades to give a lustery finish!
Respool new line or atleast strip off 20′ of your existing line.
Retie all new knots on your lines to your leaders.
Spray a little WD40 on the pliers & bolt cutters to loosen up the rust…..

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY………
Go the the Blaine Musky Expo in March 11th weekend to buy some new baits……….Make sure to stop by the Phantom booth, as I’ll probably be hanging out with Todd Cleveland…….