Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 9

How it is done

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2019

photo-Rob Dietrick, Bass Pro Shops

www.fishandboat.com

photo-courtesy of Paul Jennings

What does it take to
burn Muskellunge lures?
Reel like mad. It is a simple
concept. However, there
are a few refinements.
First, point the rod tip at
the lure during the retrieve.
This subtle trick places the
lure's resistance on the reel.
Otherwise, you would fight
the rod buckling under the
lure's strain.
Next, aim the rod
tip down, toward the
water. This aids in depth
control, which is a major
consideration when
burning. As a rule, the
Paul Jennings, Aliquippa, caught this Muskellunge while fishing with a friend on Lake Arthur,
faster the retrieve, the
Butler County.
higher a lure runs in the
water column. A low rod
tip position prevents the bait from blowing out of the water, Equipment
Specialized equipment improves one's ability to burn
ruining the retrieve.
Muskellunge
lures. High-speed reels-those recovering
With that in mind, it is wise to use the surface to your
30to
40-inches
of line with each revolution of the reel
advantage. Predatory fish will utilize the surface as a
handle-make
a
world of difference.
feeding edge to corral prey. Reel the lure just below the
High-speed
reels
facilitate staggering speeds while
surface, so it creates a ripple on the surface. This is known
keeping
angler
fatigue
to a minimum. Low- and mid-speed
a "bulging." Bulging can also be done at slow speeds by
counterparts
require
the
angler to exert greater effort to
holding the rod in the 10 o'clock position to keep the lure
achieve
similar
lure
speeds.
With low- and mid-speed
just below the surface.
reels,
it
is
difficult
to
maintain
quick retrieves for an
For the most part, I maintain a consistent tempo
extended
period.
High-speed
models
make burning
throughout the retrieve.
comfortable and feasible.
If the reel does not come with one, consider upgrading
Converting follows
to a power handle. Power handles are longer than
Muskellunge are known to track a lure to the boat. It
traditional reel handles to allow a mechanical advantage. In
is an adrenaline rush when you spot the long silhouette
short, this reduces the effort needed to reel high-resistance
racing behind your lure. But, your heart sinks when
lures. A reel's handle length will not directly impact its
you cannot get it to bite. The glaring downside of rapid,
speed. However, it will certainly make the experience more
straight-running retrieves is it encourages these follows.
tolerable, keeping you in the game.
The most effective way of triggering following fish is
Give burning a try when targeting lethargic Muskellunge
by adding a burst of speed. This tactic may sound obscure
in shallow water. Trust me, you cannot move your lure
given that you are already reeling at an above average pace.
faster than a willing Muskellunge is able to travel.
However, that abrupt speed change imitates a fleeing forage
and ignites the spark to feed.
The "figure-eight" maneuver is also critical when
burning. This maneuver is used to nab followers at
boatside. You must be calm and collected. Furthermore,
you must move the lure through the figure-eight pattern,
so it remains in contact with the lure. Go too tight, and the
fish will lose the bait and may become disinterested. The
first turn is most important, because it is the first time the
lure changes direction-anticipate the trailing Muskellunge High-speed reels facilitate staggering speeds while keeping angler
to strike then.
fatigue to a minimum.

http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019

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