Topraider Is Tops For Early Summer Muskies
by Joe Bucher

Early summer muskies are amongst the most catchable on topwater lures. As soon as a good blast of hot, humid air arrives, the topwater bite is sure to be "on". Also, early summer muskies are usually chasers; meaning you can go after 'em with a fast topwater bait that features a prop style tail rotator like the TopRaider. Fish it on a 7 foot rod with 50 to 75 lb. line.

Cast it over top thick weeds and shallow topping bars. Crank it overly fast initially in order to get the prop spinning good and to pick the line off the water. Then back off to a medium fast retrieve once the bait is churning with a strong plopping sound.

Keep that bait coming in a steady retrieve all the time and finish each retrieve with an underwater figure eight, since many muskies will follow to boatside. A few will even take the lure on the figure 8; particularly in rough wavy conditions. If you spot a follow, don't panic. Just keep crankin' steady. Be careful NOT to set the hook until the fish actually grabs the lure solidly. One of the biggest mistakes we all often make while topwater musky fishing is to set the hook as soon as the fish strikes the lure. This rarely works well with muskies and usually results in a missed fish.

Instead, force yourself to "hold". Don't set the hook until you actually feel the rod bend and the pressure and weight of the fish on the end of the line. Then and only then, should you set the hook. This is one clear cut case where being "quick on the trigger" can cost you dearly on that rare opportunity to bag a big one. Being "slow on the draw" is an asset when topwater musky fishing. Remember, HOLD until you feel 'em. Then, set hard, but only once driving the hooks solidly in.