Hey Brad;
Check out this article. It may help in getting you started and on the right track.
getting started
As for muskie fishing, there are a few good books out there on the market. Dick Pearson has one, Pete Maina has a couple. You may also want to subscribe to Esox Angler or Muskie Hunter.
However, if I were you, I would look for books, not so much magazines to get started. Reason being is that you need to pick up the basics on where muskies like to hang out. You also need to learn the basics of what type of lure to throw and when…….and most importantly HOW.
Getting over the intial “hump” of muskie fishing isn’t so difficult…….It is when you stick your head deep into them, that it is hard. Reason is that there are many books that go into great detail of where-hows for bass, walleyes, panfish, etc……..But there aren’t too many books that do that for muskies. Not in the same level of detail.
Muskies, like all other fish, are a creature of habit. Most importantly is that just like every other fish, they have to eat! So, finding out what their food source is and finding out where they like to live on the specific body of water you are fishing will put fish in the boat.
A big draw back, is that most muskie anglers are very tight lipped. “We” got to work hard to find out where our fish are. Once we do, we don’t want to always share that to the world. However, with that said, snoop around baitshops and talk to local Conservation Officers. Those two crowds will tell you where/when fish are being caught. Also, look at the pictures in the bait shops of when those fish were caught.
Lastly and most importantly is to be sure you have the right gear for releasing these fish. As big as they are, they sure are fragile and will die in a heartbeat. There are no such things as “10 minute battles” or even 5 minute battles……..It seems like it, but most fish are actually landed in 1 to 2 minutes. They fight like a banshee the first minute, but then they are done and worn out. So, quick netting, cutting of hooks, and slipping back into the water should be your priority.
Don’t lay them on the boat floor.
Don’t hoist them up just by their gill plate, support their belly too (a 30lb fish doesn’t like to be hoisted up by the jaw, just like you wouldn’t).
Cut hooks to prevent tearing of gills so they don’t bleed hard.
Have fun on your hunt and fair warning……..One good muskie and your fishing for bass/walleye/panfish will bore you to tears……These animals are addicting and FRUSTRATING!!!!!
Fire away with more questions!!!!!!
I have met people who support this stance, and heard second-hand stories of one guide in the Alex. area who recommends that his clients gill or gut any muskie they catch on Lobster or Miltona. I won’t say which guide because this is only hearsay…but I have heard this from several different people.
