Top Five Early Summer Musky Bait Highlights
When it comes to catching early summer muskies, success comes from using trophy-catching lures that keep muskies engaged. These early summer baits will deliver the follows and bites you’ve been hoping for as muskies settle into warm bays and points to target active baitfish.
Mepps Double Maribou
The Mepps Double Maribou features dual #8 blades and a budget-friendly price of $19.99. Mepps is unbeatable when it comes to blades that spin effortlessly. These double blades start spinning as soon as they hit the water, ensuring maximum distance coverage without needing a "pull start." The lure’s pillowy marabou tail undulates while the blades create the perfect chop, making it highly enticing. This bucktail performs well in all water types and clarities. Kick off your season with simple colors like black and white—you won’t be disappointed.
Tyrant Tackle Crusader
The Tyrant Tackle Crusader Topwater is a must-have for maximum impact with minimal effort. This topwater lure has a slim profile and an oversized churning tail, creating a significant disturbance over shallow weeds and reefs. Priced at $20.99, don’t let the cost fool you—this lure is durable and built to last. The Crusader takes a beating and keeps swimming, offering excellent longevity, and muskies can’t resist it.
Adams Custom Lures Havoc
If you haven’t invested in the Adams Custom Lures Havoc crankbait, you’re missing out. This 9-inch lure (including tail) is an excellent performer in all conditions, perfect for early-season musky fishing. It shines boatside, with an undulating rubber tail that works magic during pauses. The Havoc’s ability to be cranked, jerked, or paused creates an erratic action that entices muskies when other lures fail. This bait grabs attention and delivers results.
Drifter 6” Hellhound (Hellpuppy)
The Drifter 6” Hellhound, or Hellpuppy, is a classic glide bait with a sleek body design and excellent color selection. Its simple side-to-side action and dead-still pause make it a favorite among muskies across various habitats. While glide baits may seem advanced, the Hellpuppy is beginner-friendly, easy to work, and produces top-notch action. It’s ideal for unmotivated fish, using short snaps and pauses to trigger bites.
Livingston Magnus Junior
As the season heats up, so does the Livingston Magnus Junior. Recently released with a smaller tail for an early-season panfish-sized presentation, this lure is easy to use for anglers of all skill levels. It can be straight-retrieved, jerked, or jigged, with its large rubber tail creating an enticing wag in the water. The Magnus Junior performs exceptionally well along edges and drops, running at any depth muskies patrol.
With this well-rounded selection of baits, any angler is poised to catch the fish of a lifetime. Whether you prefer cranks, jerks, blades, or glides, Musky Shop has everything you need in-store and online. Explore our selection of Tyrant Tackle, Livingston, Adams Custom Lures, Mepps, and Drifter Lures to start your season on the right track.