jigstick

I had a chance to get to the Musky Convention today at the Double Tree. What a great venue. I got to meet the guys from Boss Shad, Wiley, and Zach Baker as well. All of them were really informative, and took the time to talk to me about and answer a bunch of questions. The guys from FatAzMusky walked me through the DownEast rod holders and matching track mounts, and I think they are going to work on my boat to get my rod tips in the water. I also hooked up with a Chautauqua musky charter...Todd Young from Muddy Creek Fishing. He actually lives within walking distance of my cottage up there. What a small world. I scheduled a day on the water with him the last week of June. Hopefully he can get me straightened out. Here are some of the baits that were recommended to me from Boss Shad and Wiley: Unfortunately I arrived too late, and most of the Baker lures were picked over. But Zach took ALOT of time to talk to me, and said he would work on getting me a few by the start of the season. He's getting smashed with orders and shows. Hopefully with the techniques you guys mentioned, and more "musky specific" gear, Ill be able to land more fish. Here is a picture of my boat: And here I am with a few hog walleye on Lake Erie. My comfort zone is definitely walleye, steelhead, and salmon on Erie and Ontario, but hopefully I can break into the musky game.

Yes I am from Pittsburgh. And thanks for letting me know about the show. I happen to be off of work this Saturday, and will definitely go up to the show. Its at the Double Tree?

Rigid Industries Marine D2 floods will give you blinding light and last forever. I went through numerous cheaper types of LED lights before I stepped up and got the Rigid ones. They are bomb proof and bright as hell. I have them on my UTV as well.

Thought I would update this post. Last year I did manage to land my first two musky on Chautauqua. The fist picture is me and the first one we landed. The 2nd is my brother in law. We caught both fish within 10 minutes of each other in the same general area, on the same bait and rod. Both fish were released in good condition. I think it was more luck than anything. I was just taking him for a ride on the boat and enjoying some "adult beverages" and he said "you have all these rods...why not put two in the water". Caught these two guys between the Institute and Pendergast point. Off the down rigger. 12ft behind the ball. This year I plan on getting some dedicated musky rods and reels with braid on them. Ill be trying the large barrel swivel and large knot tag to try and keep weeds down. I do have tracks on my boat, so I may try and see if I can angle a rod tip into the water with the Down East rod holders. But the sides of my boat are pretty high, probably 2.5ft down to hit the surface. Any advice on what to use as leader? Heavy flouro vs wire? How long of a leader? Do you guys "T" all of your treble hooks on your baits?

I need some no BS musky lure help I have a lake front cottage on Chautauqua lake, and have fished it for 15 years. Landed my first two musky last year lol. I need some no BS advice on some gear and lures. My boat is rigged up for Erie and Ontario walleye, salmon, steelhead, lakers....good Garmin Chirp Sonar and Autopilot. Down riggers, Dipsy divers, jet divers, stick baits and spoons. Im looking to troll exclusively. The two i caught last year were on some of my walleye stick baits trolled off the down riggers. How on gods green earth do you guys keep your lures from fouling with surface and suspended seaweed? I get maybe 7 minutes before my lures foul. I was going to order some musky baits from a place called Paul Fecs Hammer Lures, based out of Wampum PA, but he's not taking orders. Can someone recommend a few brands of baits and maybe some colors for me to try? I really want to target musky this year. Walleye fishing on Erie is getting boring.

Big thanks out to BattleHammer, FlxTroller, and Capt Tom from TOMKATT Sportfishing for helping me get on some fish this past Saturday. I cant thank you guys enough for helping an "out of towner" out. Definitely made the 5hr drive up worth it. Its nice to know that theres guys on LOU that are willing to help out guys like me, who have limited opportunity to participate in the Ontario salmon fishery. Made the drive up from Pittsburgh and had beautiful weather. Took me some time to switch from my usual walleye mentality to salmon. But I eventually got on some fish. Ended up with 2 mature kings in the boat, lost one right at the surface 20ft behind the boat. Also took some some vicious hits from the steelhead who put on a show coming out of the water. Also managed a few shakers and 1 coho. Cant wait to come up again...which I'm slated to do the last week in july. Biggest fish landed was 27lb 3oz female. Loaded with full size tight eggs. Is that normal for this time of year?

Sounds good. I'll be launching from Wilson around 5am. I hope I can get one some fish. Just catching 1 will make the trip worth it

What was the surface temp? And what down temp did u get the hits? I'm coming up.

Pardon my lack of knowledge...by what is a major?

I'm thinking of coming up from Pittsburgh to Wilson to fish tomorrow morning. Would you say that the salmon fishing is "on fire"? What I'm getting at, is it worth the trip up? I only make the trip maybe 1-2x per year. I'm dying to hear my dipsys rip.