Suggested Rules
By: Walt Krause - Shawnee Muskie Hunters Chapter #28, Illinois and Larry Besant - Daniel Boone Chapter #52, Kentucky.
Buddy Hartman photo of Brett Olson's "Fire in the Eye" Tiger.
- Have the proper tools with you: Long nose pliers, hook cutters and jaw spreaders.
- Bring a large KNOTLESS net to safely land a muskie. They will destroy a salmon net & you will lose or harm the fish. Yes, they can be $$. Yes, they are a must.
- Keep your hooks double sharp.
- Don't try to save money on bargain lines, leaders and snaps.
- Pay attention to what is going on around you.
- Use bright lures on bright days and darker lures on darker days.
- Don't waste too much time choosing and changing lures.
- Learn to do a figure 8 or circle, well.
- Keep your hand away from their mouth.
- Remove the hooks while the muskie is in the net.
- Don't keep the muskie out of the water, any longer than you can hold your breath, under water.
- Fish with as many muskie anglers as you can.
Safety:
These are big fish. And big lures. With BIG hooks. BE SAFE.
- It doesn't happen often, but when it does, an accident can be appalling.
- Use caution around the lures; don't get in a hurry.
- If you have a fish on, be careful where your lure ends up; a lure in the net or cradle can became dangerous if the muskie starts flailing.
- Wear sunglasses or protective eyeware.
- Make sure you know your casting-back distance; be careful of others in the boat.
- When snagged in a tree, use caution if trying to jerk free - it can come flying back in your face or others'.
- Curious Dogs and lures to NOT mix.
- When taking the protective plastic tubing off of new treble hooks, heat the plastic slightly with a hairdryer to make it easier to remove.
- Once impaled into skin, NEVER try to pull a hook out if it is past the barb. You may have to push it all the way thru, then cut the hook.
- Carry appropriate tools. If required, seek medical attention and get a tetanus booster. Some of our BEST anglers have had stitches. It only takes a second of inattention. And the Tiger is VERY fast with the head thrash.
- Protect yourself, Protect others, Protect the Fish.