Fishing Articles & Pro Fishing Tips

Over the span of his professional fishing career, Author and Outdoor Educator Joel DeBoer has authored many, many top-notch articles on the "How To's" of becoming a better angler. On this page you will find just a sampling of some of his articles and tips - we hope you enjoy!

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Avoid the Rut in Musky Fishing
Fishing Articles & Pro Fishing Tips >>

Avoiding the rut is a critical aspect of fishing success, especially when musky fishing.  No, I'm not referring to deer hunting, but the "rut" that many anglers fall into each season - fishing the same locations on the same lakes, with the same baits at the same time of year… you get the idea.  While it is good practice to make note of patterns that you discover from year to year and look to use them to your advantage, it is equally important to continually challenge yourself and look to discover new patterns, especially when what you're doing is not working.  This may mean fishing a different lure type, body of water, time of day, structural element, or any combination thereof.  For example, if you typically fish small bucktails all through June, do not hesitate to try something different if the fish are not responding.  Likewise, if you are not moving fish in the weeds or a particular section of a lake, try somewhere else such as working suspended fish or work the timber. The bottom line is this - by keeping an open mind as a musky angler, you will increase your knowledge base and ultimately your success.

As with keeping hooks sharp, properly performing a figure-8 after each cast is one of the surest ways to boat more muskies each season. If it is not already a part of your musky fishing routine, plan on making this maneuver a habit while out on the water this year. I can't begin to count the number of times over the years that a fish or two caught on a figure-8 during the course of an outing has 'saved the day'.  

For the move to work correctly there are a few key concepts to make note of. A proper figure-8 begins as the lure begins nearing the boat on the retrieve; at no time should the lure stop moving, keep the bait working smoothly as you ease into the boat side technique. As I move into position to perform my figure-8, I hit the free-spool mechanism on my Abu Garcia and crimp down hard on the spool with my thumb; this allows me to feed line to a big fish in close quarters should I need to do so after the hook-set. My figure-8's are actually in the shape of a big 'O'. I prefer the 'O' shape as it allows a big fish to turn easier and thus hopefully strike more accurately on my presentation.
 
To be successful with hooking and landing muskies on boat side strikes requires an angler to be as mentally sharp as they are physically. The figure-8 (or 'O') must be performed correctly after each and every cast. While working your bait boat side, be sure to remain vigilant for any sign of a fish - this includes observing the area around you, not just behind your lure. When a fish strikes, be mindful of what direction the fish is moving and look to set the hook in the opposite direction (set into the fish!). Once hooked, I like to submerge my rod tip in an effort to keep the musky from jumping; jumps are exciting to watch, but all too often spell the premature end to a battle between man and beast. If you're truly serious about catching more muskies this season, add the 'eight to your routine.

A successful musky season hinges on good equipment as much as any other factor. I don't remember where I first heard the statement, "Don't bring a knife to a gun fight", but nothing could be truer when pursuing muskies - from rods and reels to release tools and nets, use the right equipment. Perhaps it's nothing more than common sense, but then again, whether professional or novice, we can all benefit from a good reminder.
 
In addition to having the proper equipment, it is imperative to maintain your gear. For starters, replace your fishing line yearly.  While I continue to be impressed with the quality and durability of my Power Pro, I re-spool each of my Abu Garcia's every year. There is no substitute for fresh line; after all, it's what will be connecting you to that fish of a lifetime.

Another good idea is to check each guide of your rods for any cracks or chips. Every season I check each of my St. Croix rods, from my panfish rods to musky rods from tip to butt section. Checking the guides can be done by running a q-tip around the inside of each guide and observing if there appear to be any "snags". If you do notice a crack or chip, do not use that rod until the guide has been replaced. 

Split rings, hooks, and leaders also need to be reviewed for any potential weaknesses, and replaced as necessary. The cost of a quality musky leader such as those manufactured by Stealth Tackle are insignificant with the "cost" of a fish lost due to damaged or weakened terminal tackle.

Challenge yourself to do a little musky math this season - you'll be surprised with how the little things can and do add up to big things for you!  I'll see you on the water…

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