After dropping Shane off at school, I met Brian at the launch and we headed into a very gusty northwesterly wind that was pushing up some stiff whitecaps. I was not too happy....as it's been said a lot here recently: WIND BLOWS, and I in particular HATE it. Skies were very changeable: a peek of sun and blue skies, followed by dark clouds threatening showers. Wind was so persistent and I was so stinkin' cold...Brrr!
What WAS on our side is how these fall-like temperatures of late are cooling the lake down. Water temp was 68F but there were still some very viable, green weeds in the deeper water. Those were good signs.
I had heard 6" jerkbaits or larger profiled cranks were working for my friend a week or so back, so I chose some lures which fit that bill. Tigers were unimpressed after over a half hour of steady casting x the 2 of us.
Next, I selected a brand new 1/2 oz white spinnerbait with big willowleaf blades. About a dozen casts later in about 14' of water I had a super solid hit and set the hook into what I knew was a big fish.
I had pre-set my drag to what turned out to be a perfect setting and the drag was screaming pretty good on the runs. I could feel some good, strong head shakes as well. After an adrenaline-rush battle, Brian netted the tiger and here it is:
The fish measured 36" and was released after a brief rest next to the boat. It is now my new personal best and I was smiling for a long time afterwards.
I had one strike a short time later, but no connection was made. I suspect it was a smaller tiger. The rest of the outing was uneventful for us, and after feeling chilled to the bone we called it a day.
Tiger muskies are like potato chips. You try one and you just want more and more.
W.
