In this issue:
ALL NEW ONTARIO BOATS FOR
SALE CLASSIFIEDS
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TOTAL TACKLEBOX
We are on our way to becoming the worlds largest fishing
tackle search engine!
Owl's Nest Lodge - We are located
on the south shore of of the unspoiled Trout Lake with
facilities designed to offer a year-round escape to experience
the beauty of Rainbow Country. Trout Lake is sixteen miles long
and half a mile wide and is located eighteen kilometers from the
village of Alban. The clean pollution-free water is noted for
lake trout, pike, muskie and bass. We also offer camping,
trailer sites, fishing, hunting, ATV & Snowmobiling.
Midnorth Outpost Camps
- We have fly-in remote fishing & hunting
outpost camps, located half way between Elliot Lake and Chapleau.
Choose from several lakes that offer fishing for Walleye,
Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, White Fish, Bass, &
Perch. We als have a variety of hunting options available.
Branch's Seine River Lodge Outfitters
- Experience the Canadian Shield
Wilderness! Full service camp in the centre of the "Seine Chain
of Lakes". Over 30 miles of excellent walleye, northern and
world class smallmouth fishing. Quetico Park & White Otter
ultralite canoe trip outfitting. Top rated fall hunting with
guided white tail hunts, black bear, small game & grouse. Bow &
rifle welcome!
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Playing the "Size" Game With Musky By Justin Hoffman
Musky fishing is literally a game of size. Searching for the
lifetime fish that stretches beyond the fifty-inch mark on the tape,
or a 'ski that bottoms out the scale at thirty-pounds are targets we
all strive for when out on the water. Lets face it - size does
matter to a musky angler. But how about the size of the baits you
throw at these fish in the hope of luring them in? There is a time
and place for big baits and small in musky fishing, and learning the
in's and out's will help you in attaining that fish of a lifetime.
Small Baits
The phrase "small bait" is a relative term when discussing
species-specific lures. For the freshwater musky, small can be
defined as a lure that measures less than five-inches in length.
(Quite the contrast to some of the monster twelve and fourteen-inch
baits used to scour the depths by some musky hunters.)
Although musky can attain tremendous weight and size, there is
something about a small bait under the right circumstances that can
work pure magic. Early season is one of those moments.
Springtime means cooler water in many regions of the country, and it
also means slower metabolism for its watery friends. Muskies are
less likely to exert themselves chasing down large prey, but can be
convinced to take a swipe at a bite-sized snack. (This only makes
sense, as the natural prey they will be feeding on will be young of
the year baitfish, perch and bluegills in the two to five-inch
length.) Tossing around small bucktails, cranks and jerkbaits can be
the key to success early on in the season.
Cold front conditions are another situation that calls for
downsizing your presentation. We've all been there before - bright
blue skies, sunny and without a cloud in the sky. This is darn tough
fishing in anyone's book. Muskies can be caught during these
periods, but it will take something small, natural and unobtrusive
to do the damage. This isn't a time for monster cranks or behemoth
trolling plugs, but scaled down versions that will be appealing and
noteworthy to the lazy musky with lockjaw.
Fall time has traditionally meant BIG baits, but what about those
days when the fish continuously follow the lure but refuse to
strike? Small baits are the answer to the question. Musky can become
conditioned to big baits that are commonly thrown by the majority of
anglers. Most days, everyone and his brother are throwing large
jerkbaits or gliders, sometimes resulting in fish that love to
follow. Next time you run into this frustrating dilemma, make a
quick switch to a smaller version of the bait you are using, and be
prepared to hang on to that rod. A simple switch in the "size game"
is often all it takes to find action.
Large Baits
Now that we've discussed when to utilize small baits for musky,
lets find out when big is best. Hot summer weather is generally a
good time to go big. Fish will be extremely active, and will be
looking for a substantial meal to keep their energy levels up. |