I am hoping to get to Pineview this winter to try targeting some Muskie through the ice. I have never done this before, and was hoping for some help/info on gear, terminal tackle, techniques and any other tips that might help me out. I have never fished for Muskie before. I am a true newbie. Thanks in advance for your help.
Two ways to go. Get a tip up and hook a dead chub/smelt under the dorsal fin. Run the hook tip from back to front and then push it out so the hook is pointed towards the tail. You should also consider using a quick strike rig. Just google it and you’ll see how to set it up.
If you prefer to jig use a big tube jig and tip it with a chunk of chub or perch meat. You can also jig big spoons think Daredevile size. Another trick is to jig lipless crankbaits that have rattles like the Rapala Clacking Rap. This also works if you are using two lines. The jigging will bring in a tiger and most of the time they will attack the dead chub on the tip up.
Better have a MH or H rod. Several companies make ice fishing rods for lake trout. Those would work. Use a wire leader and 30lb test or better. And drill a 10" hole.
These tactics work for pike in Minnesota. Pike are active under the ice but pure bred muskies are not. Tigers fall in between. Set your gear up where people are catching panfish as tigers will be lurking in the area. Good luck.
Get a tip up and hook a dead chub/smelt under the dorsal fin.
Sorry, but that is not allowed at Pineview.
“Unlawful to use whole fish for bait. Cut baitfish must not be larger than one inch in any dimension and not more than one piece per hook.”
My bad on the whole fish thing. Just use the chunk or even better a nice carp strip. Surveys in the Midwest have indicated that bullheads and carp are on the main menu of muskies. Smelly is better. The Esox species have a keen sense of stink.
Stan
Thanks for pointing me in teh right direction. I appreciate your generosity in sharing a few tips.
Good luck. Although I have caught a ton of pike I’ve landed exactly two muskies in over a decade of ice fishing. Might have slightly better odds with tiger musky. They do put up one heck of a battle.[reply][/reply]
this is good news as I want to catch a tiger so bad