How does one go about catching muskie? Or better yet, what is the most effective way to catch a muskie? The answer is trolling. What is the most fun way to catch muskie? Casting. Simple answers to simple questions. Let's try to cover the basics of both methods.

First of all, let's assume that you are going to be using adequate tackle for your adversary. At least medium heavy rods, reels with smooth, dependable drags that are set properly, non stretch line, and the best quality single strand wire leaders available. You've done your home work and have chosen specific spots on a good hydrographic map.

I like to hit the water early in the morning. When old Sol pokes his head above the horizon, I am already on my first spot. It seems as if all of nature comes alive during that first hour of day light and I would hate to miss it. To introduce unnatural sound to what is occurring seems almost sacrilege. The best time for casting is morning and evening, before or after boat traffic is in full swing, and that's how I usually start my day.

Despite the claims of certain manufacturers, even the sound of an electric trolling motor affects fish during these quiet times of the day, especially if you change speeds often. I recommend using your trolling motor only when absolutely necessary. Be as quiet as possible, making sure that everything in the boat is secure. We've all made this mistake..... You pull into your first spot and sit down to snap on a lure. By the time you are ready, you've drifted away from the spot you intended to fish. Now you have to go back there again, only now you are fishing twice disturbed water. Be sure that your rods are rigged BEFORE you get to your spot.

Approach your structure in such a way that the wind or current will move you properly. It is best to sift the water from deep to shallow when casting to avoid disturbing shallower fish which may be actively feeding. Use a lure that is designed for the depth that you are fishing and work the water thoroughly. If there is a current, keep in mind that fish will face into the current and present your lure accordingly. Let's say that you are casting to a log submerged in twelve feet of water. First work the ends, remembering to cast beyond the log and bring your lure past it. Then work the central part, still casting beyond it before beginning your retrieve. As the lure arrives at the log you want to "thump wood", making good contact. As the lure clears, you can often trigger a strike by jerking the bait and increasing retrieve speed, making it look like the lure is suddenly fleeing from a predator. Finish all casts with a good figure eight. You can apply these tactics to almost any solid structure you are fishing.

One of my favorite targets are isolated weed beds. The best ones are those you can't see but locate when your lure makes contact. A predator can hide behind or in one of these and see prey coming from a good distance. Fish them in the same manner described above, but also rip your lure through the weeds. A lot of muskie will hit just after the lure pops free. Not all lures are good for weed ripping. You need one that can make it through the weeds and still have decent action after it emerges from the vegetation. Quite often giving the lure a good jerk as it emerges will help also. Experiment with different lures. It's part of the fun of fishing.

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