What Price Muskie???
Craig Sandell © 2015
So you want to fish Muskie. Are you ready to pay the price? What
price? The price to re-outfit your tackle to handle the most tenacious fresh water sport
fish. That bass tackle youve got just doesnt have the guts
so you will
need to invest in some new tackle.
Rods
Lets start with rods. You are going to need at least two rods. One
should have medium action for casting bucktails and crank baits. The other should have
some good back bone to allow you to cast the heavier surface lures and jerk baits that are
commonly used for Muskie fishing. Both rods should be at least 6½ feet with fore grip and
an 18 inch handle. I
have my rods made for me. I have always been disappointed by rods
"Off-The-Rack". My custom made rods cost me $195.00 each and I will use this
figure as part of the cost-to-Muskie-fish calculation
you may find
something you like for less. (Two rods times $195.00 = $390.00)
Two Rods =
$390.00
Reels
You are
going to need bait casting reels. The reason for this is because of the tactics associated
with Muskie fishing as much as with the Muskie itself. Part of the formula for good Muskie
fishing is being able to cast with reasonable precision. You will want to place a lure
precisely along weed lines and in heavy wood. In order to do that consistently, you will
discover the need to control the line as your lure strips it from the reel. This is
accomplished by a method called thumbing. That is
using your thumb to apply pressure
to the line as your eye gauges the trajectory of the lure in relationship to the casting
target. Also, Muskie have a habit of following a lure up to the boat and striking as a
figure eight is executed. Once again, thumbing is a required
tactic. When a fish hits short (by the boat) you will need to give it some line so that it
cant use the boat as a banging stake to dislodge the lure. You will also need line
to play the fish in order to be able to land it safely. Hitting the free spool
as you apply thumb pressure to the line will accomplish that goal. You cant do that
with a spinning reel. The main staple of the average Muskie angler is the Abu Garcia 5500,
5600, 6500
or 6600 models of reels. There are other reels from other manufacturers that
will also do the job. You will need one for each of your two rods and you will need a
backup reel just in case. The average price for these is around $140.00 each. (Three reels
times $140.00 = $420.00)
Our running total is
$810.00
Line
You are going to need some Muskie line. I am partial to
80 or 100 LB. TUF Line Spectra. You may have a different choice, however, consider that the line should be
reasonably fray resistant, with low stretch, reasonably water proof, while possessing good
casting characteristics. For the purposes of this discussion, 600 yards of 80 lb. TUF Line
is around $120.00.
Our running total is $930.00
Tackle/Tools
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You are going to need a different tackle box to hold the
larger lures. Typically, you can figure on a nominal cost of $30.00. You will need solid
wire steel leaders. Figure $10.00 for a good assortment of quality leaders. You will need
to get some tools for Muskie fishing as well. Foremost is a hand held compound bolt
cutter
about $52.00. |
You will also need a hookout, hook sharpening file, long nose
pliers, spilt ring pliers, long handled channel lock pliers, mouth spreaders, water proof
flashlight, heavy duty nail clippers for your line, and a small tool kit in which to keep
them so that they dont get mixed up with your lures in your tackle box. All together
this will likely run you another $135.00.
Our running total is $1157.00
Lures
You are going to need a reasonable assortment of lures. Figure at
least 5 bucktails, 5 variations of crank bait, 4 types of surface lure and 4 types of jerk
bait. Around $400.00 ought to do it.
Our running total is $1557.00
Miscellaneous Stuff
How to put a price tag on this? Everyone will end up with a
different amount. Consider, however, the cost for extra hooks, split rings, impulse items
you buy on a whim, some better rain gear, some better polarized sun glasses, a net large
enough for Muskie, etc
As a budgetary number lets use $350.00.
Our running total is $1,907.00
There you are
outfitted and ready and
$1,907.00 poorer. Of
course, you still have to pay for food, lodging, gas, oil, maybe boat rental, license and
of course there is always the bar bill over and above your initial investment in
equipment.
Everyone says that Muskie fishing isnt easy. You will spend
long hours on the water. You will spend many hours casting. You will spend countless hours
preparing your tackle and researching the Muskie. The operative word here is SPEND. As a Muskie angler, you will pay a high
price in time, frustration and money to be able to successfully match yourself against
this fresh water denizen of the deep. If this article has caused you to think twice about
getting involved in Muskie angling
GOOD.
It is only the angler that is dedicated enough to be willing to pay the price who will
eventually succeed.
Oh, yes. There is one other thing. LUCK!!!
For
that there is no price tag.
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