T-Billy

I don't know what y'all got going up there, but here the water temp's down about 6 degrees from it's peak a couple weeks ago, and they're stacking up in all the bays that have a feeder creek. 4"-5" cranks and smaller blades have been producing best. The fish are moving into the back of the bays and back out to the weeds in 10'-15'. That pattern will hold up clear into October. Ours are man made reservoirs with a shad forage base. I don't know if the same pattern happens up your way or not, but it might be worth checking out.

It's been kinda tough sledding lately. Stable high pressure, little wind, and clear water. I've been moving lots of fish, but getting them to commit has been tough. Took a skunking Wed, and only managed a 31.5" yesterday. Last night some storms rolled through, and this morning we had some showers and a low cloud ceiling. That put 'em in a much better mood. Started the morning off with this 37" on a 5" Tuff Shad. SLOW cranking it over deep coontail at first light. Next up was this thick beast of a 45.5" on a Mepps Muskie Killer, about an hour later. I've been getting lots of follows but few bites on bigger blades, so I downsized this morning. It proved to be a good call. Cool story on this fish. It followed my double 8 spinner in yesterday about 100yds further back in the bay in just a couple feet of water. It saw me and wouldn't follow into the 8, but didn't spook either. It just sat there for a bit looking at me, then slowly swam off. I recognized it as I was releasing it today by the white scar on it's head that I had noticed yesterday as it was sitting there. The final catch of the day came just over an hour after that in the back of another bay, again on the Muskie killer. It's a lean but beautifully marked 44". It was all down hill after that. Lol. I lost two at boatside while trying to net them. Not heartbreakers though, a mid 30's and a high 30's. Missed two that absolutely smoked my Tuff Shad. Not sure how they didn't hook up, they were violent hits, and I had five follows. Pretty busy 7 hours by muskie standards, and two mid 40's in the net is an awesome day. Happy, happy, happy!!! 😁

I got out in the wee hours wed morning and did a bit of bass fishing. I figgerd I better catch a few to keep my BR membership in good standing. It's been awhile. I've been completely focused on muskie. As I suspected, the bass have largely abandoned the shallow weeds for rock structure. It happens every August around here. I think it's because the gills are done spawning, and have vacated the area, so they move to rock and fill up on craws. I caught about a dozen of these cookie cutter LM. The first one I caught off of rock spit up a good size craw onto the floor of my boat. The craw was alive and well. Best bass of the morning came about 05:00 on a 5" tuff shad after I'd started cranking for muskie. That's one ambitious 3 pounder. I also picked up a nice eye. It's one of the rare lucky ones that got released. Most of them get released to the grease. I knew I was gonna be on a long grind for muskie, and wouldn't feel like knocking the sides off of it when I got home. Took a skunking on the skis.

No such thing as secluded waters in my neck of the woods, but if there were, that's where you'd find me.

Looks like pitch'n paradise to me Katie.

Define comfortably. 😂 I throw pounder bulldawgs on my 9'6" XXH Daiwa Prorex, but not very often and not for very long. It does "OK" with them, but a XXXH would be better.

That's how we roll as also. Serves us well too. We have a joint savings where we keep a balance for major unexpected expenses, but aside from that, we each handle our share of the bills, and we each buy what we want without having to consult the other. We never fight about money.

I have a bunch of them. All lines are excellent for their price points IMO. The Invoker series is my favorite.

I lost two at the net on Wednesday and ended up taking a skunking. I moved five yesterday, but they were being skittish and the only one I got to commit was this little guy that just squeaked into the count at 30.5". I picked up two early this morning on cranks, then the bite shut down like the flip of a switch. 39.5". 37" So... I fell a bit short of my 100 fish goal, but it's all good. 94 muskie over 30" ain't a bad rookie year. I've learned a bunch, and now have some experience with them in all four seasons, so I feel like I have a solid foundation to build on. New goal is 100 before ice over. The current count for the 2024 calendar year stands at 44.

Nope.

I hear ya brother!!! The fish in my local lakes feed twice a day. Right before I get there, and right after I leave. 😂

One third of Jesus hand picked disciples (Peter, Andrew, James , and John) were fisherman. I'm sure he understands the predicament you found yourself in. I'm also sure that tub would hold enough fish to feed 5,000 men and their families. 😉

Sorry for your loss Ski.

Walleye.

Why long arm a 16 pounder? Silly boy.

Prayers for your healing brother. Hope you're feeling better soon. I agree with this 100%.

I'll get all the rest I need when I'm dead. 😉 Just making hay while the sun shines. I'll be 55 in a couple weeks. There'll come a day when I can't do this any more. When that day comes, I'll wish I'd got to do more of it. My thoughts exactly. Early 30's I was still in beast mode. Rock solid 185 pounds. Happy early birthday buddy!!! I'm a decade behind ya. I'll be 55 on the 18th. I haven't worked out in several years, but I do stay active and don't allow my weight to get too far out of hand. Being a couch tater ain't good for ya, especially as the years add up.

That's how I get 'em. I light the gas though and incinerate 'em. I know lighting it's not necessary, but it's more fun that way. 😁

Prayers for a successful surgery and a fast recovery.

@bulldog1935, nice work on those handles. I really like the grip that x-wrap provides. The cork handles on all my musky rods are wrapped with it. I use a heat gun to shrink it.

Thanks for the update Andy. Y'all have been on my mind a lot lately. I thought about sending a PM, but didn't want to pry. Figured you'd update here when you were ready. The prayers continue, and I'm happy to see she's doing better.

Those buggers will come right up to ya in the dark too. I've had 'em sneak up and tail slap right beside the boat many times at night. Startles the pee outta ya!!! 😂

I only use snaps when muskie fishing, and I only use Mustad Stay Lok snaps. I've had other types fail. These have proven themselves 100 percent dependable.

Always grateful to be out there. More content when I catch fish, especially big fish.😉

For sure. Losing a 34"- 35" isn't usually a big deal, but that one today kinda hurt. I won't be too bummed if I don't get there though. I can't complain about catching 90 something muskie in my first year of chasing them. It's been a fun ride, and I've learned a bunch. Spring was brutal tough for me, but I know what to do next year. I'm back on familiar ground now. Cranks and blades will catch 'em into October, then that will transition into rubber and rigs until ice over. Ha!!! Wearing that hat in August would melt my little pea brain in two minutes flat. 😂