Launching the Lund at 3 PM, Birdee and I were on a Muskie Hunt. Guiding has had me hoppin’ busy so any chance to get out together we try to make it happen. The weather was unsettled. It had rained most of the morning and skies were iffy but we came prepared for it.
We discussed the plan, trolling or casting? We decided to work weedlines on the troll. We brought dinner and planned to leave at dark.
I troll differently for Muskies than the norm. I NEVER troll faster than 3.5 mph and NEVER have more than 15 feet of line off the rod tip. Usually 7 or 8 feet of line to a Huskie Muskie 3 foot Flurocarbon leader.
Relying on Navionics to keep us right on the edge we made our way around to some of my favorite weedlines. Fish are everywhere on these weedlines but some are better than others it seems. It can be tricky at times but staying right on the edge in 10-12 feet of water is the goal.
Bait? Big Blades. PDeez Big 10’s. They’ve simply put more fish in my boat than all other baits combined in the last 3 years.
Along the troll we enjoyed a great chat and then had a bite to eat. A cloud came over us that was FULL of rain. We scrambled for rain gear and were soon peering at each other from under our hoods. Well that was fun eh?
The rain stopped but we could certainly feel the pressure change. Interesting.
6:30. A screaming Tekota, and I mean screaming. Birdee was on it and ripped the rod out of the downeaster. Game on.
I slowed the boat to an idle but kept us moving to keep the pressure on. Cleared the other rod and listened to Birdee complaining she couldn’t gain anything on it. Hmm. Big fish?
We watched the line dart over to the left and when it reached the spot it wanted to turn the beast turned and broke water. My suspicions were bang on. BIG FISH.
I readied the net after putting the boat in neutral. After some big head shakes trying to shake that PDeez she was within reach and in the basket. Big high fives and a hug!
What a fish. I’ve been lucky enough to catch and net some incredible fish in my days but this is my all time fishing highlight.
We took a quick length measurement, 52 inches. Welcome to the 50 inch Club Birdee.
She released great for some other lucky angler to get a shot at her.
The Magic Combo. Shimano Compre 8’6″ Muskie Rod, Shimano Tekota, 65 lb Power Pro, Huskie Muskie 3 foot leader and a PDeez Big 10 in “Dragonfly”.
We’ve had some incredible fishing so far in 2015 but this fish will undoubtedly be the highlight of the year!
