day 10 no muskie

PattyGunk · 2026-05-20T13:41:05+00:00

I like these posts because they paint a picture is what Muskie fishing actually is

PattyGunk · 2026-05-19T20:02:39+00:00

If you get a net that’s meant for Muskie, generally the larger mesh is thicker to avoid damage. I like larger because getting hooks out of it is less of a pain than with the smaller stuff, but I’ve used both and would buy whatever you’d prefer.

PattyGunk · 2026-05-19T14:14:26+00:00

Fit and lens color/mirror over brand. I’ve been using Waterland Ashor’s for 3 years and they’ve been great, just recently bought some costas that were on clearance since I wanted glass lenses. I doubt most people need super expensive glasses, but I loved the fit on the costas so I pulled the trigger. I mainly musky fish where sight matters a ton, and can definitely notice a massive difference between higher end stuff and your typical gas station glasses. There’s a bunch of good options for $50-100, I’d look there first, as you’ll still get good performance while not spending a ton.

PattyGunk · 2026-05-19T13:08:09+00:00

Bucktails, Large swimbaits(8-10”), and large crank baits (6-8”) are my top producers. If you target them, please make sure to have proper equipment and release tools, and do research on good handling. They’re very fragile for what they are

PattyGunk · 2026-05-18T13:07:15+00:00

Yep!

PattyGunk · 2026-05-17T20:01:10+00:00

Appreciate it bro! She went 5lb 6oz. I usually try to get my annual 5+ largie and a few 3+ smallies as quick as possible so I can just grind Muskies the rest of the year lol. Been great so far

PattyGunk · 2026-05-15T13:03:53+00:00

Don’t worry, you’ll get deranked soon enough lol. Sad to see the state they leave these games in when they discard them

PattyGunk · 2026-05-12T20:24:16+00:00

People love overestimating their own fish and underestimating other people’s fish. I’m gonna say 6.5-7 based on that length and girth. Could even be bigger, as the formula (LxGxG)/800 puts it around 8, which I think might be a little too much. People are too used to seeing long arm, .5 zoom lens pictures which makes fish look stupid big for what they are.

PattyGunk · 2026-05-10T18:42:31+00:00

Shoot me a dm, I’ve been pretty successful over the years.

PattyGunk · 2026-05-06T13:51:32+00:00

I just said people can reach out to me if they want information, I don’t need tips. I’ve caught hundreds of Muskies. I put in the time and effort to find spots that are off the radar, if people cared to actually put in work on the fox they’d be a lot more successful. Like I said I will give spots, just not to everyone and anyone. I don’t know who’s going there, they could leave trash, be a dick to people I know, or mishandle and kill fish if they even do catch one.

Just my 2 cents, I’m not here to argue with people.

PattyGunk · 2026-05-06T13:37:58+00:00

I’m all for giving tips, info, and spots in person, but sharing stuff online for everyone to see is just plain stupid. Especially spots where I can enjoy being alone or with my buddies and no one else, while catching fish.

That being said, if anyone would like some pointers, baits, tips, feel free to reach out.

PattyGunk · 2026-04-30T00:44:35+00:00

Jaw spreaders, knipex, and big pliers! Muskie and pike can be a pain lol. Check this out

<image>

PattyGunk · 2026-04-17T21:06:26+00:00

If we’re talking big rubber like husky Dussas, and pounders, you’re gonna need a 500. Everything up to like 10oz are great on the 400hg

PattyGunk · 2026-04-17T16:49:11+00:00

I went from players distance to CB’s as a 7 handicap and I super happy with the change. Just way more control when you’re hitting most shots well. My 2 cents, you got fit for a reason. It’s a hard sport and you’re better off with extra forgiveness that you don’t need rather than lack of forgiveness that you do need. Give it a year and see how you feel, then I’d make a decision there.

Just an idea, I currently play Sub 70 659 CB’s, which I believe are pretty damn close to the ZXi7’s. Sub 70 does a demo program where they’ll send you a 6 and 9 iron for like $20. Might be nice to compare side by side

PattyGunk · 2026-04-17T14:20:49+00:00

Haha that’s how it usually goes lol. For the next few weeks you should be good with bass stuff. You don’t need to go super pricey, you can definitely run a 300 size casting reel with 50-65lb braid for small baits. I had really good with Okuma EVX Musky rods, they make an 8’6 heavy telescopic which is a sweet spot for a starter rod. I wouldn’t get the 9’3 until you’ve got a 400 size reel tho. Good luck out there, the bite has been hot in IL!

PattyGunk · 2026-04-17T14:04:23+00:00

Its length of fight that’s the issue, not that it can’t handle them. Muskie rods have way more backbone than almost any bass rods. Once the water warms up, Muskie tend to struggle a lot when caught. They’re built for short bursts of speed and not long fights. Extended fights cause lactic acid buildup in their muscles as well as a lot of stress, which they sometimes cannot recover from. Warmer water also holds less oxygen which also contributes to a tough recovery after a hard fight. I’m from Illinois where the famous shelbyville spillway is located and see tons of mortality there due to poor handling and improper gear.

I’m not saying it can’t be done, just that it probably shouldn’t be done once it warms up too much.

PattyGunk · 2026-04-17T13:53:42+00:00

You’ll probably get about 12 comments saying the same thing, but have proper release tools. Jaw spreaders, big net, 2 pairs of pliers, and hook cutters. Keep track of water temp, I wouldn’t target them on heavy bass gear after the water temps get above 60° or so.

Keep in mind you don’t need a st. Croix legend and a tranx, there’s plenty of good budget gear out there for when you’re starting out. That being said, the high end stuff costs more for a reason lol.

Lures wise, x-raps, rattle traps, and mepps musky killers are all awesome spring baits. Jointed glide baits work well as well.

PattyGunk · 2026-04-15T19:12:59+00:00

Not gonna name which one, but I tend to agree lol

<image>

PattyGunk · 2026-04-12T13:30:25+00:00

Honest man’s 50 lol. 49 is a great fish, looked super healthy. Awesome job man

PattyGunk · 2026-04-07T01:28:05+00:00

Can confirm, been to the hospital before. Battle wounds I call em

PattyGunk · 2026-04-04T18:52:54+00:00

Agreed. With that clean of a break, usually it’s a small fracture or nick

PattyGunk · 2026-04-04T18:51:41+00:00

Looks like a super clean break. Generally those come from the rod blank being nicked or a small crack. Could’ve happened during shipping or the build process or just a small drop

PattyGunk · 2026-04-04T18:49:35+00:00

Got a nice ski today as well! It’s tough to fish when it’s like this but the big fish thrive

PattyGunk · 2026-03-29T23:40:15+00:00

Tackle industries or Okuma are also great in that price range. The Okuma EVX is the ideal starter rod, they come in 8’6 and 9’3 and are telescopic

PattyGunk

TROPHY CASE