When Muskies Won’t Move Much For A Meal, It’s Time To Go Vertical With Your Presentation
The warm spring air was a refreshing change from the chill of winter. The warmth was great for us, but it put the muskies in a loving mood and made fishing for them difficult. With the fish squarely in spawn mode and a tournament upon us, my father and I decided to throw our gameplan out the window and do what has worked for us in tough conditions in the past.
I started the motor and drove straight to a spot which has an inflow with baitfish congregated in the area, and ten minutes later a 391⁄2-incher was in the net and we were on the board. While not a huge fish, it was the only one we contacted during the tournament and enough to secure a third place finish. It also reaffirmed my belief that when fishing is tough, it’s time to go vertical.
When
Vertical jigging has been a staple in my boat for many years and has become my go-to tactic when conditions are less than ideal. This does not mean jigging will not work at other times — because it will — but it really shines above other tactics when the bite is tough.
When musky activity is low due to weather conditions or spawning, the fish refuse to move much for a meal. However, a bait repeatedly jigged in front of a musky will more often than not arouse its curiosity enough to get it to strike.
Another time I prefer jigging to other tactics is when baitfish are concentrated in small areas (such as in the anecdote above). Many times I’ve found a school of shad, bluegills or crappies in specific spots, be it a laydown, standing timber or creek mouths, and “typical” tactics of casting and trolling only result in a follow or two and lures snagged in the trees. But a slow, controlled drift through the same area while jigging often results in multiple muskies.
Denne historien er fra April/May 2019-utgaven av Musky Hunter.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April/May 2019-utgaven av Musky Hunter.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
What can Current Do For You?
WATER FLOW IN LAKES IS SUBTLE AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED. BUT MUSKIES USE IT, SO WHY SHOULDN’T YOU?
Mountain State Muskies In Spring
CATCH MUSKIES DURING TIMES WHEN NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE
Winter Presentations For Southern Rivers
Winter has arrived, yet in the South it’s still mild enough to keep fishing with the exception of maybe a week or two of an Arctic front.
Tune Up For The Season Ahead
Have you started making your plans for the upcoming fishing year?
Rob Manthei
Guide Rob Manthei’s love for the Vilas/Oneida County region of northern Wisconsin is deeply rooted. His father and grandfather started taking him there on fishing trips when he was just two years old, and he began guiding full-time at the age of 25.
Find The Right Structure In Deep, Clear Water
With breathtaking scenery, vast amounts of water, and complex and diverse structure, clear water Canadian Shield lakes offer some of the most sought-after musky fishing in the world. A bucket-list destination for the passionate and determined angler, there’s something truly special about being in the sanctuary of the great Canadian Shield lakes.
Multi-Species Or Bay Boat ... You Make The Choice
Is there really such a thing as a perfect musky boat? There are so many variables to choose from in the market today. Do I want a casting or trolling boat? Aluminum or fiberglass? Welded or riveted? Do I want a tiller, side console, dual console, or full windshield?
Region To Region
Region To Region
Genetic Study Yields Answers
STUDY SUGGESTS LEECH STRAIN IS NOT THE ‘SILVER BULLET’ FOR WISCONSIN MUSKY WATERS
Crawling Crankbaits To Catch Cold Water Muskies
Crankbaits catch plenty of muskies during spring, summer and fall, but the key to catching ’skies in the very early cold water season on these lures involves some special tricks.