Musky Shop Blog

March 27, 2026

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late March 2026

Winter is gradually leaving the Northwoods of Wisconsin, bringing some very nice spring-like weather.

March 23, 2026

Ultimate Fishing Lure Prep Checklist: Get Your Baits Season-Ready in One Afternoon

efore you hit the water, take one afternoon to prep every lure in your tackle box.

March 20, 2026

Menace for Early Season Muskies

Working the Menace like a tube, with quick upward pops of the rod, creates a highly erratic action

March 13, 2026

Let’s talk Teeth: Facts and Fiction about Muskellunge Chompers

Muskellunge, those elusive giants of freshwater lakes and rivers, have long fascinated anglers and naturalists alike with their impressive dental arsenal.

March 06, 2026

Steve’s New Lure Mods Part 1: Critter

The Critter can be straight retrieved, worked like a mini tube, or jigged vertically

March 02, 2026

The Freezer-Clearance Panfish Pâté

February 20, 2026

Get Prepped for Muskie Season Opener: Essential Tools from Musky Shop

As the muskie season opener approaches, every dedicated angler knows the difference between a great day on the water and a frustrating one often comes down to having the right tools. Quick, safe hook removal, accurate measurements, sharp hooks, and on-the-spot repairs keep the focus on fishing—not fumbling with gear. Musky Shop, the world's largest retailer of musky tackle, stocks some of the best tools trusted by pros and guides alike.

Here’s a roundup of must-have tools to get your boat ready, emphasizing fish safety, efficiency, and durability for those trophy muskies.

1. Reck-N-Rack Bump Board

Accurate length measurements are crucial for photos, records, and catch-and-release. The Reck-N-Rack Bump Board is built from marine-grade plastic with machine-etched markings that won't fade or peel. It's wipeable, stain-resistant, antibacterial, and folds neatly for storage with stainless steel hinges for lifelong durability.

Available in black or white—perfect for quick, reliable measurements.

Reck-N-Rack Bump Board Black | White

2. Knipex Hook Cutters

When a big muskie is thrashing with a deep hook, speed matters to minimize stress and injury. Knipex Hook Cutters deliver one-handed, effortless cuts on heavy hooks. These German-made tools are built to last a lifetime with proper oiling and care.

Choose standard or spring-loaded for even easier use.

Knipex Hook Cutters Standard | Spring Loaded version

3. Ugly Stik 90 Degree Tuff Grip Pliers

For deeply lodged baits or hooks, leverage and grip are everything. These 90-degree angled pliers provide better visibility and control, with ergonomic Tuff Grip handles that stay secure even when wet and slippery. Spring-loaded for one-hand operation and rugged enough for tough musky fights.

Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Grip 90 Degree Pliers

4. Xuron Split Ring Pliers

Hands down the best for musky anglers—precise, lightweight, and durable. These USA-made pliers handle all split-ring sizes effortlessly, with ergonomic, non-slip grips and a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee. Ideal for quick hook or blade swaps.

Xuron Split Ring Pliers

5. Boomerang Original Snip Tool

Need to cut line fast during rigging or leader changes? The Boomerang Original Snip cuts clean through braid, mono, or fluoro, with a retractable design that clips to a lanyard or pocket—stays out of the way until you need it.

Boomerang Tool Original Snip

6. Smity Hook Sharpener

Sharp hooks mean better hooksets and less tearing—essential for muskie's tough mouths. Smity sharpeners feature comfortable wooden handles and come in flat file styles (including rust-resistant options) to get trebles needle-sharp. Easy to keep on the boat for regular touch-ups.

Explore Smity Hook Sharpeners in Tools Section (search "Smity" on site for variants)

7. Eagle Torch

Soft plastics take a beating from pike or toothy muskies—broken tails happen. This compact butane torch provides high heat for quick on-water repairs: melt and fuse tails back together in seconds. Long-lasting and reliable.

Eagle Torch for Soft Plastics

8. Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders

Deep hooks require a safe jaw opening technique to avoid injury during unhooking. Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders are fish-friendly, easy to use, and help reduce mortality by keeping the mouth open without damaging the fish. Durable design—just store dry after use.

Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders in the Tools Section (check site for current stock)

Stocking up on these tools means you're prioritizing quick releases, fish health, and your own efficiency—key for sustainable muskie fishing. Head over to Musky Shop to grab them before the opener. Our tools section has everything, often bundled or paired with related gear.

February 13, 2026

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early February 2026

February 09, 2026

2026 Notable Musky Season Tournament Schedule

February 06, 2026

2026 Musky Season Prep Guide: Get Your Gear Battle Ready Now

Preparation now ensures your gear will be in prime condition when it matters most.

February 05, 2026

Louisiana Panfish Sticks

January 23, 2026

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late January 2026

Ice fishing in the Minocqua, Wisconsin area has been exceptional so far this season.

January 12, 2026

Best Line Counter Reels for Serious Musky Trolling

Success in trolling depends on precision, and precision demands accuracy.

January 09, 2026

Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early January 2026

January 05, 2026

Why Do Muskies Porpoise?

Porpoising refers to when a muskellunge swims near or at the surface with its head (and sometimes back or dorsal fin) partially or fully out of the water

December 29, 2025

Navigating the Northwoods of Wisconsin on Snowmobile: Best Places to Visit

he Northwoods of Wisconsin is a winter paradise for snowmobilers, boasting over 25,000 miles of groomed trails across the state, with some of the finest and most scenic riding in the Midwest concentrated in the northern regions.