Muskie fishing can be physically demanding, the right gear will make casting and presenting those large baits much easier.
Rods: the trend is to longer rods with lengths of 8 to 9 feet becoming the standard. Longer rods make muskie fishing easier and more productive. Think of your rod as a large spring...it makes casting easier and helps move more line on hooksets, additionally once you hookup the longer rod helps you play the fish and gives you some cushion if you make a mistake or two. Pool cue rods are out !!!!
Reels: there are a lot of choices here so shop at a quality shop where they talk muskies for the best advice. Certain reels are better for different applications and the most recent inovations have centered around larger saltwater based reels for enhanced durability, speed of retrieve and significantly better drags. Try Thorne Bros in Fridley for great advice and selection.
Line: for all casting and most trolling applications low stretch superbraids are the way to go. Use line test in the 100lb range for the best overall performance.
Tools: a long nose pliers or hookout, a good compact boltcutter to cut hooks when required, and a small file to keep those hooks sharp are a minimum. Add a pair of gloves to protect your hands and a large deep net with a coated bag and you'll be able to get those released effectivly... after all your kids need fish to catch in the future too. Once netted keep your fish in the water at boatside untill you are ready to take a quick picture. You can usually remove hooks while the fish are in the net as well.... safer for you and the fish...watch those teeth !!!
Baits Baits Baits: what would muskie fishing be without some cool baits..... you should carry these basics at a minimum.
Inline spinners: usually called "Bucktails" even though they can be dressed with many other materials. The hottest models the past few years come from the Musky Mayhem company and are double bladed models with colorfull names such as Supermodel, Double Cowgirl and ShowGirl.....more large fish have been caught the past few years on these hot baits than anything else....you need them. Large Spinnerbaits are a similar option and are better in thick cover.
Plastic swimbaits: the Bulldawg is the industry standard but the newer Curly Sue and Medussa are well worth having as well.
Topwater: Muskies love them and nothing gets your heart pumping harder than a large wake coming up behind your helpless topwater bait. It is good to have a few in different styles, Tail prop, Walk the dog, Buzzbaits and of course the slower creepy crawly styles have their place and can produce strikes when nothing else does.
Minnow baits: Jakes, Grandmas, Rapala and a host of others all imitate fish....need I say more.
Jerkbaits: usually made of wood or hard plastic they can be worked side to side or dive and rise depending on the design and are retrieved with a series of pulls to get the desired action. They excel in the fall but can be effective all season long, especially when the bite is a bit....tough.
Specialty baits, Jigs, Plastic creatures, Sluggos and other finesse style baits all have their place...best to have a few.
Leaders: muskies have lots of sharp teeth and you need to protect your line from bite-offs. Heavy Flourcarbon in the 100 to 150lb test range and solid wire models are proven performers, buy quality a cheap leader WILL eventually cost you a fish so don't risk it.....even the most expensive leaders are cheap insurance.
And don't forget your camera, a quick photo will save that memory forever. Keep the fish in the water untill the last minute and when you are ready snap a couple of quickies. A camera with a self timer on a small tripod will enable you to get a shot of your trophy if you are alone.
The countdown till the opener continues..............................