A neat little trick, that was passed on to me last fall, is to put a good sized barrel swivel about three feet above the end of your line when surface weeds become a nuisance. The barrel swivel will keep most weeds off your lure and allow your lure to work properly longer.

When you purchase a lure, do not assume that it is muskie ready, even if it is supposedly designed for muskie. There are lures being marketed with inferior split rings and hooks. I purchased one last year that I could easily straighten the split rings on by pulling on the hook with just my thumb and index finger. It is a good, productive lure and I still purchase them, but of course replace the split rings and inferior hooks as well. While I'm talking about hooks, it is probably a good time to mention that you will get a higher percentage of hook ups if you go one or two sizes up on the hooks they put on most lures. A good rule of thumb is that if they look disproportionate to the lure, they probably are.

Almost everyone knows by now to use a good quality "no stretch" line. I mention it here for those new to the sport. I still prefer braided and use lead core braided almost exclusively for trolling, but there are other lines that work well also.

The final tip I'm going to mention is to keep an accurate log. Most of what happens in fishing is a result of water temperature and weather conditions. By looking in my log I can tell within a couple of days, usually, where the fish will be actively feeding at different times of the year. You will be amazed at the number of patterns that become apparent, through the years, as a result of keeping a log book. I'm making it a habit to start my log each trip before leaving the dock. There are some commercially available but I've found it better to custom make my own. If you're reading this, chances are real good that you have a computer and can make them quite easily on your own.

Next months issue should go on line right about the time muskie fishing opens on the Detroit River. With that in mind, I will try to address the nitty gritty of working water to locate and catch these great fish. Let's catch more muskie than ever this year. But, let's put 'em back alive.

Remember, as always, Catch-Photograph-Release. Provide a future fishery for the generations to come. And, hey, take a kid fishin'!

Ted - MUSKY FISHING ABOARD "THE CUDA"