Tiger Muskie

Question
I live in Denver, CO. I want to know how best to fish for Muskie and what bait, etc.

Answer
Hi,

Your question leaves things wide open, but I will do my best.

I am guessing you are looking at targeting some of the Tiger Muskies in Colorado. If you are not very experienced in fishing I would start by hiring a guide or finding an experienced fisherman to show you the ropes. Muskies are usually very hard to catch and if you can be shown the tricks it will put a big dent in the learning curve. I known from experience, it took me 3 years to catch my first one. Bucktails are the best all around bait. Some people troll for them out there. Rapala Super Shad baits are very good for trolling. A high quality bait casting rod and reel is very important, as well as quality line. I would recommend a St. Croix Premier 7'6" Med-Heavy Rod, St. Croix Avid 300 Reel and 80# Spiderwire Stealth line. If I was to have just one combo, this would be it.

The most important part of equipment is a big net like a Frabill Big Game Powercatch. Tools for releasing the musky are important too, like long nose pliers, hook cutters, mouth spreaders, ruler and camera. The key things to remember when handling a musky is to keep them in the water in the big net, unhook them in the water, keep there head in the water so they can breath, don't hold them out of the water any longer than you can hold your breath, cut hooks if they are tough to get out or will damage the musky on removal, don't let the fish flop in the bottom of the boat, hold it up for a quick photo and get it back in the water, cooler temps are easier on the fish, when it's hot 80+ degrees you need to be extra quick and carefull handling musky. Hook cutters are an important safety item in case you would happen to get a hook in you, it happens to even the best of us.

Hope this helps, please feel free to ask anymore questions.

Hook Em' Hard,
Joe