Weeds

Good read. I've been skunked at so many of the locations mentioned in the article that it's not funny. Now that I have a slightly better idea of what I'm doing I'd like to try a few of those spots again someday.....

I've just discovered Suicks. Awesome lures.

Nice report, pics and ski!

Just missed a decent sized one tonight, threw the hook after a short tussle. 10 minutes later managed a musky so puny he was almost cute, maybe a little longer than the length of a keyboard. I'm thinking either the fish are starting to "turn on" or I've just really been missing out on something with these Suicks. Funny thing is I've had my camera with me both times but have taken no pics...and I love pics as much as the next guy.

Thanks. It was on the 16th actually but didn't get to go shopping till today. Worth the wait though...

Congrats!! I know exactly how you are feeling; just got my first about an hour ago. Nothing like that monster that you've got there though...

Sorry, no pic so don't bother scrolling down the page. So far this season in my search for Essox I've lost a Magnum Zara Spook, a Slopmaster, a Super Vibrax Musky buck and a Joe Boucher Bucktail. And had caught or even spotted, zero skis. Headed out this morning to the bait and tackle store by the causeway in Bridge North as my wife said I could choose a lure for my birthday. Went with a 9 inch weighted Suick as I've never owned one before, black head, perchish body I guess. Bought a Super 10 with my own dough too as I coudn't figure out which I liked more. After heading to my local musky waters I quickly relized that I much preferred the 9 inch weighted, seemed much easier to work. I wondered if I was working it correctly, long sharp pulls seemed right and BAMM, Mr. musky appeared to approve. Not a big fish, maybe 34ish, but beefy and well fed. I was surprised how easy he came in, big difference as I was using a 6'9 extra heavy rod compared to last season when all my fish were caught on a 7'6 Medium Heavy. I really like throwing the Jerkbaits; the experience is much more pleasant when you have the right equipment. May have found a new favourite lure in the Suick! Now can't wait to get another Musky......or Suick! Cheers..(keep plugging away to any one else who's been blanked so far, it will happen)

Awesome! Nice to get the first one caught and the monkey off your back (still looking for my first this year, monkey is getting heavy) then you can really enjoy the rest of the season!

I've heard Acetone is an effective way of passing emissions testing. Never tried it myself. Here's a link on the subject with some decent reading http://www.wisebread.com/can-acetone-drama...our-gas-mileage

Nice report Johnny; at least you got into some fish. I got skunked pretty soundly myself, only thing I caught was a sunburn too.

I picked up an ugly stik last year as I don't do alot of spinning rod fishing but was curious as I'd heard alot of good things about the ugly stiks. I like it. Great Value. Truly very durable, great trunk rod or back up (or main rod) as it really is tougher than rods way over it's price. A bit noodle like/slowish on the hookset but hey, what do I know, like I said, I don't use alot of spinning rods.

If I recall correctly (which is not likely) 3 out of 4 of my muskies last year came on bucktails with black or black and red tails, all had silver blades. I think 2 also had a white plastic Kalins grub on there as well. My first Musky probably came mid to late June (so my experience might not apply to this years opener) and was a slopmaster, "natural" pattern/colour I think. Good Luck!! I've had very little luck with firetiger when fishing for anything but I know alot of people think highly of it.

I'm just itching to throw the heavier stuff; don't care if I even catch anything, I'll probably start the day off with either a Believer, a Big Kicking Minnow or Magnum Spook. When I get tired off those I'll switch to a more realistic Vibrax Musky Buck or Slopmaster most likely. Can't wait, plan on fishing Dawn till Dusk! Psyched!!

Wild stuff! Awesome report as usual. Thanks.

I feel naive in asking but is that Carp pic for real?? I've never seen anything like that.

Police?

I just recently scored a 6'9 Premier and I'm 6'3ish and can't imagine using a longer jerkbait rod. I'm sure it can be done though, just might take some time to get use to it ....You might be able to take it back to the store providing you are exchanging it for another rod. I remember last time I was in Lebarrons really liking a short Compre musky stick. Well....Good luck.

Good advice, thanks to all. My mistake, I thought Magnum referred to the 6 oz version rather than the pounder; I can't imagine tring to lob that around either. Thanks.

Hi all. Had a few questions regarding Bulldawgs, as I've heard good things about them and recently aquired a rod capable of chucking some seriuous baits (3-8oz's). As I do most of my fishing from shore in the Kawarthas I was wondering which would be my best bet, the 3oz. regular Bulldawg or the Magnum 6oz. ? I can't afford both so I'm leaning toward the 6 oz. as I have very few BIG baits, but a modest selection of smaller ones. Would the big 6 ounce bait best be held off on until Fall and the smaller 3 ounce more productive in June? I was also curious regarding colour choice, again leaning towards black and orange as the majority of my other baits are perch, natural or firetiger. . ..I think that's it for now. Thanks a bunch, Rossco

I'm thinking she gave away pretty much the only thing she could offer. A scrap of food basically. Had she worked as as a policeman (woman I guess) she could have given the kid a tour of the car, of if she was a fireman she could have shown off the firetruck, or station even. Had she been an office manager/secretary she could have let the kid play with a computer. Is it stealing still if all you give is your time? Even if that time technically belongs to someone else? See what I'm getting at? It's easy for guys with half decent jobs or middle/upper management positions to draw the line at "stealing is wrong" but they can't begin to imagine how little influence/autonomy folks in these bottom tier positions have.

Would not recommend leaving them in the trunk for a week (or longer) In July. Smell is somewhat...........unpleasant.

You got a real nice starting set up; although in my opinion you only need maybe 3 or 4 lures to start. And you're right about buying used; can really save you a bundle. A big bundle. I think if you buy right you can get into it with quality gear for maybe 200 bucks if you're lucky. Although maybe no net.....

I'm pretty new to musky fishing too but I got into it pretty seriously last year. I had good luck with bucktails (Joe Bucher and Blue Fox Musky Bucks, which are relatively cheap as far as musky lures go) but I managed my first Musky on a spinnerbait (Slopmaster) and I'm happy I did because the single hook helped make for an easy release and really positive first experience. In my very limited experience black has been a good colour with a white accent or trailer. I'd also suggest loading up with some really heavy braid, 50 pound plus (I like 80, Stealth) and even heavier leaders. Alot of folks recommend Fluro, I've found I'm pretty happy with either 80 or 120 pound coated wire, thick enough to protect the fish and cheap too (3 for 2 bucks at LeBarons as opposed to 8 or 10 bucks a shot for Fluro) but Fluro is good too. The heavy line and leaders may seem like overkill but it makes it alot harder to lose those pricy lures so it's nice to have that peace of mind. Anyways, good luck, catch one and you'll be hooked!

Nice report. I enjoyed the read.

Thanks Smokey; I don't know what I was thinking. Well, I was thinking Lock 19 was on the North end of town, rather than the South for some reason. Thanks for setting me straight. Can't wait to fish, even if it's just for perch! Or Carp.