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Slowing down your retrieve or trolling speed often out-produces a ‘burning bait’
The words most frequently spoken around the boat ramp are ‘the more rapidly you rip a lure through the water, the more apt a muskie is to attack it.’
While it is always a good ploy to start the day fishing fast—covering as much water as possible in search of active fish—there are times when the opposite holds true, and slowing down your retrieve or trolling speed will produce more strikes. Fall is one of those times.
Not all muskie lures are made for the slow approach, however. But then are those made to order, like wide wobbling crankbaits. Even more so, hard baits that sport a flat-sided shape to give off added flash during the lethargic retrieve. Storm’s Giant FlatStick fits the bill perfectly as they have a wobble like no other lure, whether worked fast or slow.
Structure Specific
As the water temperature drops this time of year, the FlatStick should be fished in close proximity to specific kinds of structure.
Targeting the edges of the season’s still green weeds is a must. The entire food chain abounds in the oxygen-rich vegetation, from tiny aquatic insects right up through the largest muskie in the waterway. Weeds that have died off actually give off oxygen depriving gasses and fish of all species vacate the premises.
Rocky shoals attract soft-rayed (spineless fins) species that spawn in the fall, and that muskie prefer to dine on, such as lake herring and whitefish. A slow presentation is a natural here as fish in procreation mode are often focused on the chore at hand rather than on guard for predators.
Match the Hatch
Color coordinating your FlatStick to the size, shape and color of the forage is crucial.
Storm’s entire FlatStick series comes in a selection of natural colors to match every species muskies feed on. There’s also the UV Bright collection that reflect natural light with great intensity, and work wonders in both clear and stained waters. And the loud, deeply-resonating rattle of the entire FlatStick series will attract the attention of muskies from afar regardless of water clarity. The 8 1/2-inch Giant FlatStick is effective where super-sized meals are the norm, and the 6 1/4-inchers perfect in waters where smaller prey is prevalent.
Carry-on Extras
The entire FlatStick series comes with heavy-duty, super-sharp VMC hooks as standard components. You’ll want to carry a Luhr-Jensen Original Hook File with you for touching up the point after banging rocks or gravel, or landing that monster of a lifetime. Replacement VMC hooks are wise accessories to carry, too, as often you might have to actually cut the hook to release a fish without damage. A Rapala 7-inch Side Cutter and 9-inch stainless steel hook remover will make any release easy and safe for the fish.
This fall, slow down the presentation and there’s a good chance you’ll speed up the adrenaline.
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