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 baitfishseeking warmer temperatures. However, spring musky fishing can also be challenging, as the fish can be picky and temperamentaldue 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 thatmightignore 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:
- Musky Innovations Bull Dawg
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.
- Chaos Tackle Medussa
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.
- Red October Monster Tube
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:
- Mepps Musky Killer
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.
- Musky Mayhem Double Cowgirl
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
- Violent Strike Extractor Marabou Bucktail
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. TheExtractorcan 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:
- Rapala Super Shad Rap
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.
- Slammer 5" Shallow Minnow Crankbait
This is a unique and legendary crankbait lure that has a wooden body andplastic diving lip.It hasan easily utilized action that can entice a musky to strike. It can be fished with a light twitching techniqueand 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 asturdyLexan lip.Itslip 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.
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