Muskie: Some other tips and tricks

I know Tyler and I are going out of our minds to fish for Muskie.

The excitement that has been built up in us can only be attributed to starting this life long quest.

With Tyler putting up all of these Muskie posts I'd figure I'd add some more food for thought.

With Muskie fishing comes more than just trying to locate and catch these fish.  I know for me, the night before, preparation is everything.

I'm sure even for trout fishing most of us put together their last final touches on their boxes, check tippet spools, make sure extra leaders are at the ready for those mind boggling tangles, all the night before. Especially going on an all day or weekend excursions.

Well I can tell you the same applies for Muskie or any fish.

1.) Everything you plan to bring, get together the night before. (Even if somethings are questionable.)

Yes may seem silly, you may think you don't need to pay attention to this step. However having a fish that gets just as stressed as a grad student on finals week on the end of your line and not having a pair of pliers or jaw spreaders or both, would be at the least to say not very bright. Yes conservation is key for this type of fishery and for this particular species. Having everything prepared the night before could eliminate a costly mistake or from forgetting any other important item like, shock tippet, flies, line cutters, hook cutters,etc.

2.) P.M.A.

Positive Mental Attitude. If you have trouble with this and struggle to find humor in humility then this area of fly fishing might not be for you.

May sound deterring or ass hole-ish, but those two contexts are what's not to be gotten from this.

These fish have tested me and Tyler and have beaten us down more times than we care to remember. However we have found with this type of fly fishing that you just have to enjoy nature and enjoy getting out and living life to the fullest. On multiple occasions we've hooked into these fish and they have shaken us up, they have taken apart of us with them.  Another thing that has kept us coming back is seeing them, knowing they are in that body of water, chucking flies which weigh about as much or more than a wet sock. All day long. It gets to you, it may feel like there is no hope but there is because at any moment you could catch the fish of a lifetime.

3.)Take breaks, reflect on what you have been doing.

This is as important as remembering to put the plug in your boat. (if that's an option) or forgetting your oars for your raft or canoe.

Its sad to say we are not all iron men with bionic shoulders and arms who can cast for hours on end with a ten weight and flies that range from 4 to 15 inches in length.  I and many others wish this were possible, however we are human and we need to regroup, refuel, and figure out another or different plan of attack.

As from what I have learned from experience this is very crucial. Is there a part of the river you haven't hit or want to go back and fish? Size of fly too big or too small? What is the water like, stained, clear, is there structure, weed beds, drop offs? Remember and think about all of the possibilities of where and when these fish could be found.  This could turn a bad day into an incredible day.  Always think of all of the possibilities, and how you can put your self into the best situation to catch one of these fish.