Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - 30
Downsizing
for Muskellunge
by Braden Eisenhower
photos by the author
Muskellunge sit atop the freshwater food chain with good
reason. With their steadfast reputation of dominance,
elusiveness, and mystery, no other fishing experience compares.
Muskellunge rarely come easily to the angler. Only those
willing to endure 10,000 casts of agony reap the rewards. On
the hook, fights are brief, powerful headshakes blurred in the
chaos. Grip-and-grin photos divulge little of the story.
The sport is not about the catch but the journey.
Grueling hours spent tossing absurdly large lures, some
of which weigh 1 pound, adds to the mystique. Big baits
foretell big fish.
However, expectations and reality often run parallel without
ever colliding. Sometimes, wielding giant lures is detrimental
to success. There are situations when small offerings tempt the
largest of predatory fish.
Time of year and forage
One reason to downsize is to match the forage size. The shift
to smaller prey occurs on a seasonal basis. Downsizing is at
30
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2021
an extreme level and requires lures under 6-inches, typically
intended for other species.
Spring
Many bass, Walleye, and panfish anglers routinely
dispel the myth that big baits equal big fish. These anglers
commonly bump into trophy-class Muskellunge while
pursuing other species each spring. This comes as no surprise
as shallow, black bottom bays welcome a multitude of fish
going through feeding or spawning cycles.
Pint-sized panfish and shiners are on the menu, making
traditional Muskellunge lures less effective. Meanwhile,
others pursuing pre-spawn bass with horizontal presentations
like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swim jigs, and jerkbaits
(begrudgingly) find the Muskellunge.
Summer
Muskellunge are opportunists. During periods of warmer
water, some Muskellunge nestle into dense cover and await
easy meals. Such was the case of my first Muskellunge, which
ambushed a hollow-bodied frog. Weedless swimbaits, Texasrigged
plastics, and spinnerbaits also excel around vegetation.
Water temperatures exceeding 80 degrees F are unsafe due
to the increased likelihood of delayed mortality.
www.fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - 5
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - Cover4
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