The wait is finally over! Musky anglers around the state can now rejoice. Opener has arrived, which, for many anglers, is like a start gun sounding to commence a race. If you’re like me, you’ve been itching to get out: absorbing all forms of media to fill the musky appetite, sharpening every hook, organizing your tackle box again and again, and fantasizing about the monster musky. Well, guess what? You can convert your fantasies and daydreams into realities beginning Saturday, June 7th. But, be mindful and be prepared. Before heading out on the water, I would like to share a few often over-looked tips for you to consider. These just may make the difference in your efficiency, safety, and productivity on the water.

With all the excitement that goes into the musky opener it is easy to forget some very important tools to bring on your trip. For starters, consider picking up a long-handled pair of pliers from your local hardware store. I can tell you from a painful emergency room visit that the last thing you want to do is bury your fist in a mouth of hundreds of razor teeth trying to save your hooks. Long handle pliers can generally cover most situations, and will spare you from injury. For the particularly daunting (engulfed and fully-buried) hooks, you may need a bolt cutter, also available at your local hardware store. If your catch has inhaled your bait, and it’s impossible to retrieve your hooks, a bolt cutter will allow you break hooks with single handed access. This tool won’t only save your hand from further damage, but it can save the fish too. With proper care and attention, the musky will live to fight another day. In addition to these two very important tools, you should also have: a smaller needle-nosed plier, a musky sized mouth spreader, polarized glasses for protection and improved visualization, and a line cutter. After you’ve ensured that you have these vital tools for the trip, you’ll want to begin formulating your "game plan."

Early in the musky season, many muskies are caught in shallow water. There are several reasons for this, but the most prominent reason is simple: this is where they find food. Panfish, bass, suckers, and carp all spawn during these times. All of these fish are prey for muskies. Additionally, many of the lakes and rivers are clear early in the year, and this makes it even more important to concern yourself with the right colors to use. Generally, by learning the diet of musky on any particular body of water (e.g. sunfish, crappie, carp, etc), you can determine what colors to use in your presentations. Then by determining water temperature, you can judge exactly what bait to use, and at what speed to present it.

If the water is colder, which tends to be the case on opener in larger lakes, you should fish smaller musky baits. These are generally more effective at a slower pace. Some lures that fit this bill are number 18 floating Rapalas, reverse skirted bucktails, marabou tails, and glide baits (e.g. Undertakers or Suicks). These are all great shallow water baits that offer a lot of action at a slow speed.

If the water has warmed sooner, which may be the case on a smaller body of water, you can speed up your presentation in the shallows a bit. Lures for this approach include smaller spinner baits, smaller bucktails, crankbaits (e.g. 6" Jake) and some steadily retrieved topwater baits. Although topwater is generally better mid-season, it can be an effective tactic early under the right conditions. Moreover, if lake water levels are low weeds can choke out a smaller lake fast. Topwater baits, along with spinnerbaits, may be the only way to penetrate the shallows.

Minnesota musky opener is a special day for many musky enthusiasts. Each spring, it allows us to stop daydreaming about monsters and start our quest anew. Take to the waters in pursuit of the fish of a lifetime, and make certain that you’re well prepared. The proper tools and baits, along with appropriate consideration of your weather and water conditions, can guarantee a safer trip and improve your odds.

Josh Stevenson owns, operates, and guides out of Blue Ribbon Bait and Tackle in Oakdale, MN. For more information visit www.blueribbonbait.com. If you’d like to schedule a guide trip, Josh can be reached at 651-335-2118 or josh@mightymusky.com.

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