Went to st Clair for musky. Had a hit and straight drag. Sun was bright so the Bimini was up. Buddy grabbed The rod and hit the Bimini not reeling fast enough and slack line fish gone.
Got a small pike and a channel cat on Muskie lures. Not enough action pulled to plug.
went to Erie for pickerel and limited out in 3hrs.
I use the weighted ones for better control in wind or chop. For larger swimbaits (5–7”), I like belly-weighted screw-lock hooks to keep them running true. Add a stinger treble if short strikes are common — especially with pike