Dean's Muskie Corner

A gathering of Muskie fishing information and lore.

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of equipment I have is a good guide. Beginners and seasoned muskie hunters can benefit from an experienced guide, cutting the steep learning curve of many aspects of muskie fishing. The beginner can learn to use lures, the basics of location and presentation, and have the experienced hand to help with the first few releases. The advanced muskie hunter can use the services of a guide to learn a new lake, probe the vast amount of information a guide has gained through their countless hours on the water, or come up to speed on a new technique you would like to learn.

If there is one truth in muskie fishing, it is that you will never know all there is to know. Just when you think you have something figured out, it falls apart. Guides spend a vast amount of time fishing, that alone puts them ahead of the weekend warriors. The weekend angler has to spend some amount of time trying to get on the pattern that is moving fish. The guide is never far from that pattern, if they moved fish yesterday on bucktails off weededges, there is a good chance that is where to start the next day. Experience is the name of the game when it comes to finding the active fish. The weededge fish of yesterday may only move closer to the edge if a front moves in, or they may move to deep water. Only time on the lake can tell you what that local group of fish may do.

We all can learn from guides, find yourself a good one and learn all you can. Think of the guide fee as tuition for an education in muskie fishing. It will make you a better fisherman.

If you are heading to the Hayward area, give Bruce Shumway a call at 715-798-3441, or drop him an email. I can highly recommend Bruce, let him know what you are interested in: big fish, first fish, new lake, etc. No guide can guarantee a fish, but you will leave a better muskie angler after a day with Bruce. Just don't book him so solid that I can't get a day or two in with him!


Last modified: Jan 18, 2000 by Dean Jansa jansad@sgi.com