Musky Shop Blog

Musky Shop Guide Service Down
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early October 2024
October 11, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early October 2024

We hope you all are having a great fall.

Read more

Sound, Vibration, and Muskies
September 23, 2024

Sound, Vibration, and Muskies

These ideas are closely related to the properties of sound since sound is produced by vibrations transmitted through a material.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late September 2024
September 20, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late September 2024

If you’re heading to the Northwoods for some fall fishing, please stop by the Musky Shop for everything you need. 

Read more

Musky 101: New to Fall Musky Fishing in the Northwoods
September 16, 2024

Musky 101: New to Fall Musky Fishing in the Northwoods

For those new to musky fishing, the journey begins with understanding the basics and preparing adequately for the challenge ahead.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early September 2024
September 06, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early September 2024

Fishing the Northwoods is about to take a turn for everyone's favorite time as we slow-roll into fall.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Frank Lake
August 16, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Frank Lake

We at the Musky Shop love to highlight our local waters, enticing those seeking adventure in the Northwoods to visit some of the lakes, rivers, and waterways during their time in the area.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early August 2024
August 09, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early August 2024

We hope everyone is having a great summer fishing season.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late July 2024
July 26, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late July 2024

Muskies are still scattered as some are shallow, some near the initial weed edge, and some out in the main lake basins following bait fish.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early July 2024
July 12, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early July 2024

Muskies have been scattered pretty much for the last few weeks and most likely will remain scattered until early fall.

Read more

The Quest for the Elusive Musky: Strategies for Success
June 28, 2024

The Quest for the Elusive Musky: Strategies for Success

Firstly, it's important to recognize the different types of musky species and their habitats.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late June 2024
June 21, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late June 2024

Here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, we have been experiencing a lot of rain this summer.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early June 2024
June 07, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early June 2024

Most everything has been shallow however most species are starting to scatter a bit.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late May
May 24, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late May

The season is off to a very good start here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early May
May 10, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early May

The game fishing season is off to a good start here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Read more

The Allure of Spring Lake Fishing
May 03, 2024

The Allure of Spring Lake Fishing

In the spring, the shallows of a lake are akin to nature’s nurseries.

Read more

Quick Color Reference Guide for Musky Fishing
April 22, 2024

Quick Color Reference Guide for Musky Fishing

This chart will give you a good jumping off point on days where you don't know where to start.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwood's Fishing Report: Late April
April 19, 2024

Musky Shop Northwood's Fishing Report: Late April

Here in Oneida and Vilas Counties, our game fishing season is closed until the first Saturday in May but there are plenty of Crappies, Perch, Panfish, and Bass to fish for.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Gilmore Lake
April 15, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Gilmore Lake

If you’re looking for a new lake to check out here in the Northwoods, look no further than Gilmore Lake.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early April
April 05, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early April

It's legal to fish for panfish and bass in Oneida and Vilas counties however you cannot keep bass until mid-June.

Read more

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late March 2024
March 25, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late March 2024

We have open water on most of the lakes in Oneida and Vilas county which should be close to a record for ice out.

Read more

Musky Fishing Guide
March 15, 2024

Why Book a Guide Trip with a Musky Fishing Guide: Unlocking the Secrets of the Elusive Muskellunge

Musky guides are seasoned professionals who intimately understand the behavior, habitat, and feeding patterns of these elusive fish.

Read more

Crappie Ice Fishing
March 08, 2024

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early March 2024

Our gamefish season has ended, so primarily you may target crappie, perch, and panfish in the Northwoods.

Read more

Thai Fish Curry Recipe
March 04, 2024

Thai Fish Curry Recipe

Thai Fish Curry Recipe

Read more

Musky Fishing Spring
March 01, 2024

Musky Fishing In Spring: Must Have Musky Lures

Spring is a great time to target musky, the most elusive, and powerful freshwater fish that can grow up to 50 inches or more. Muskies are often found in shallow water during spring, as they follow baitfish seeking warmer temperatures. However, spring musky fishing can also be challenging, as the fish can be picky and temperamental due to the changing weather conditions. To increase your chances of hooking a spring musky, you need to choose the right lures and tactics for the situation. Here are some tips and recommendations for the best lures for spring musky fishing.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastic lures are a versatile and effective option for spring musky fishing. They have a realistic and subtle movement that can entice a musky that might ignore a more flashy lure. Soft plastic lures can also be fished in different ways, such as straight retrieve, jigging, ripping, or pumping, depending on the depth and mood of the fish.

Some of the best soft plastic lures for spring musky fishing are:

This is one of the most popular and proven soft plastic lures for musky fishing. It has a large profile and a curly tail that creates a lot of vibration and action. It comes in various sizes, weights, and colors, and can be fished in multiple ways. The Bull Dawg is especially effective in cold water, as it can be fished slowly and steadily to trigger a bite.

This is another soft plastic lure that has a lot of fans among musky anglers. It has three tails that create a lot of movement and drag, making it ideal for a pull-pause or jigging technique. The Medussa has a gliding and falling action that can entice a musky to strike on the pause. It also comes in different sizes and colors, and can be fished in various depths.

This is a tube jig bait that is similar to the ones used for bass or crappie fishing, but much bigger and heavier. The Monster Tube has a hollow body and a skirt that flares out when it falls, creating a lifelike appearance and action. The Monster Tube can be fished with a jig head or a weighted hook and can be retrieved or jigged along the bottom or near the cover.

Bucktails

Bucktail lures are classic and simple lures that consist of a metal blade and a hair or synthetic tail. They are easy to use and can cover a lot of water quickly. Bucktail lures are ideal for spring musky fishing, as they can imitate the baitfish that musky feed on, such as shad, perch, or suckers. Bucktail lures can also be fished at different speeds and depths, depending on the blade size, body weight, and shape.

Some of the best bucktail lures for spring musky fishing are:

This is one of the most famous and effective bucktail lures for musky fishing. It has a large willow blade that spins fast and creates a lot of flash and vibration. It also has a long and bushy tail that adds more action and visibility. The Musky Killer can be fished with a steady or varied retrieve and can be used in clear or stained water.

This is a double-bladed bucktail lure that creates a lot of noise and commotion in the water. It has two large magnum blades that spin in opposite directions, creating a unique sound and vibration. It also has a long and flashy tail that attracts attention. The Double Cowgirl can be fished with a fast or slow retrieve and can be used in murky or windy condition

This is a hybrid bucktail lure that combines a metal blade, a marabou tail, and a large reaper tail. It has a smaller and lighter blade that spins easily and creates a subtle flash and vibration. It also has a soft and fluffy tail that moves naturally and creates a pulsating action. The Extractor can be fished with a slow or moderate retrieve and can be used in calm or clear water.

Crankbaits

Crankbait lures are hard-bodied lures that typically have a lip or a bill that makes them dive and wobble when retrieved. They are designed to mimic the shape and movement of a baitfish, such as a minnow, a shad, or a perch. Crankbait lures are a good choice for spring musky fishing, as they can trigger a reaction bite from a musky that is chasing or ambushing prey. Crankbait lures can also be fished in different ways, such as straight, twitched, or pull-stop, depending on the lure type and the fish's behavior.

Some of the best crankbait lures for spring musky fishing are:

This is a large and realistic crankbait lure that has a balsa wood body and a plastic lip. It has a natural and lifelike appearance and action and can imitate a variety of baitfish. It also has a loud rattle that attracts attention. The Super Shad Rap can be fished with a steady or erratic retrieve and can be used in shallow or deep water.

This is a unique and legendary crankbait lure that has a wooden body and plastic diving lip. It has an easily utilized action that can entice a musky to strike. It can be fished with a light twitching technique and for a bit of springtime trolling, can even reach trolling depths of 5-6 feet.

This is an excellent spring crankbait lure that combines a hard cedar body with a sturdy Lexan lip. Its lip makes it dive and wiggle when retrieved. It can be fished with a straight or varied retrieve and can be used in clear or stained water.

Spring musky fishing can be rewarding and exciting, but also challenging and frustrating. In order to increase your chances of landing a trophy musky, you need to choose the right lures and tactics for the situation. The lures mentioned above are some of the best options for spring musky fishing, as they can imitate the baitfish that musky feed on and trigger a bite from a hungry or curious musky. However, you also need to consider other factors, such as the water temperature, clarity, depth, structure, vegetation, weather, and fish mood, and adjust your lure selection and presentation accordingly. Remember, musky fishing is a game of patience and persistence, so don't give up and keep trying different lures and techniques until you find what works.

Musky fishing musky hunter musky shop musky lures musky on the fly  musky fly fishing musky flies musky fever musky addict musky guide musky shop guide service muskie fishing muskie nation muskies Canada Northwoods Wisconsin muskies fishing guides fishing guide service fiske esox pike snoeken rods reels lures baits line leader net tackle box bass panfish Minocqua

Read more