Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 11

Summer

Summer Muskellunge and Northern
Pike fishing and Pennsylvania do not
mix well. There is an increased rate in
delayed mortality of fish caught in waters
exceeding 80 degrees F. There is also a
concern for barometric trauma when
taking fish from deep water, as is the case
in summer. Conveniently, the casting bite
lags, and that is enough reason to target
another species entirely.
If conditions permit, take soft baits
offshore to basin areas in search of
suspended fish. It is best to locate a food
source to cast or vertical jig around.
Return to early summer tactics
when waters cool in early fall. Look for
Muskellunge and Northern Pike near
shallow vegetation prior to the post-turnover
period. After the lake turns over, Muskellunge and Northern
Pike will likely migrate to mid-depth areas, returning to the
remaining vegetation during warm spells.
Late season Muskellunge and Northern Pike prefer to
conserve energy, expending effort to chase prey that is easy
to catch. Muskellunge and Northern Pike also want a meal
worthy of pursuit. This is the time to throw supersized plastics.
Unhurried retrieves with accentuated pauses run deeper and
linger in the strike zone. I find slow retrieves come naturally as
I tack on bulkier garments and gloves to offset the cold.

Popular soft baits (from top to bottom) are a paddle tail swimbait, a pull bait,
and a skirted swim jig with shad-bodied trailer.

The bite improves in late spring/early summer when
waters warm and vegetation is well established. The postspawn slump has ended, and fish are actively chasing. Some
may relate to the first break off a flat while others nestle in the
weeds, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Medium- and
large-sized plastics are effective in both scenarios, though the
presentation style will differ.
In open water areas, try straight retrieves or pull-pause
twitches. The latter glides the bait forward several feet with
the pull of the rod. Between twitches, the plastic will hover for
a moment, then sink on semi-slack line. Watch for bites on
the pause.
Extracting fish from vegetation with a soft bait is highly
effective. Twitches must be exaggerated and frequent to avoid
snagging cover. This erratic "ripping" motion is perhaps the
most physically demanding presentation in Muskellunge
fishing, but the payoff is often worthwhile.

Fall

Equipment

Proper equipment lessens the difficultly of casting and
retrieving large baits. A 9-foot extra-heavy or extra-extra-heavy
power rod will absorb the lure's weight, simplifying the task.
Its stout nature helps move the gummy plastic through
the fish's mouth, so the hooks penetrate. The length of a long
rod helps remove slack line,
which also improves hooking
likelihood. Plus, it will load
better during the fight, keeping
more fish pinned that are poorly
hooked and brought to the net
under pressure.
Strikes typically come away
from the boat. High-speed reels
help to remove the slack line
created with each twitch, which
spells more efficient hooksets. I
spool with 80- or 100-pound-test
braided line and finish with a
150-pound fluorocarbon leader.
Set aside the hard baits and
take advantage of other options.
Extra-extra-heavy power rods (this one rated for 6- to 16-ounce lures) assist in casting
You may discover you have a soft
heavy soft baits while high-speed reels recover slack line for effective hooksets.
side for plastics.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

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