Ask Joe Bucher a Question

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Submissions 1 through 10 of 45

Ask Joe Submission #1:

I was fishing this past weeeknd in Minocqua,WI on opening day for Musky and was using a variety of your lures, specifically the blue and white Buchertail, as well as the white Buchertail, and the chartreuse and black Buchertails. I was also using your 90# leader on 50# line. I was in approximately 10 feet of water, the weather was sunny and the temperature was mid-70's. I was able to attract 4 different giant Muskies with your lures and watched in frustration as they came within inches of my lure and the boat as I "figure eighted" them, then watched as they swam off! Any suggestions as to inducing a strike, especially when they're that close? I hated to see them get that close and not be able to do anything about it! Thanks and keep up the great job!

Mike: Pin point their location and fish them at night! Joe

Ask Joe Submission #2:

Hello joe; my name is Marcus, and I have been fishing skies for about 3 yrs. This year I am starting to fish the upper french river and have recently put a trailer their. My question to you is, I have noticed some areas in the french with visable current from rapids, and I wanted to know if their is any particular time of year, or weather condition that muskies use current. And any other French River tips that will catch me 5 fifties in a week!. Thank-you in advance for taking the time to help. P.S. I am not using clasps either. Marcus

Hi Marcus: Thanks for taking the time to write. I have seen the French muskies use current at various times of the year; spring, summer and fall. You need to always check it in your daily run of spots. Once you have success on one spot, check as many as you can. I have also had equal success in calm flat backwater areas with weeds on occasions. Joe

Ask Joe Submission #3:

Joe, what length,#,makeup would you recommend for trolling for muskies in Ohio reservoirs, by the way caught a nice saugeye trolling your baby depth raider for muskies on alum creek Sunday evening! Should I stay with smaller cranks for late spring early summer. thanks for your advice I value it immensely. Joe

Always use a leader that is at least as long as the lure. However, for trolling, you can get by with even longer leaders. an 18 incher would be great. For crankbaits, I'd use at least 50 lb. test. For small cranks I like thin piano wire 50 lb. For big cranks, you can use either stranded or straight. As for crank size, I'd stick with the smaller cranks until it warms up good. Best of luck. Joe Bucher

Ask Joe Submission #4:

Hi Joe, As always your shows are great. As a fan of yours I have been watching your shows since 1993, and I have all of them on tape, what a great collection. I wouldn't miss one of your programs for anything. One request if possible, and one comment. in the early 90's you made several programs on Crappies & pan fishing, any chance this year, 2005 you might be able to make a segment or two for 2006 showing. Second is there any chance you can extended your program by four more shows. A fan From Milwaukee for many years. I hope some day you decide to guide again, you can put my name down for a trip. Keith

Ask Joe Submission #5:

Hi Joe, I lost a big one on the Three Lakes Chain and I've finally realized that I need to step up my tackle a bit. I've always tended to fish musky with lighter tackle and line for a number of reasons. I've read for years how you suggest using heavy line so as not to lose that "fish of a lifetime" and I think I need to head that advice. Quick question, what's a great reel to buy for musky fishing/jerk bait and etc? I'd like to get a great reel and be done with it! Thanks! Peter

Hey Pete: That's an easy one --- get a St. Croix AC300 and be done with it. It's the heavy weight champion of big baitcasters, by far. It is the only musky reel I recommend. It is the only baitcasting reel I've ever used that actually does hold up. In fact, it holds up so well, I have NEVER had one fail me. They are tough as nails. Joe Bucher

Ask Joe Submission #6:

Joe What St. Croix premiere rod would you recommend for walleyes. Jigging at 25 to 30 feet with 1/4 to 3/8 oz. jigs. Maybe your top 2 to 3 selections. Really enjoy your show and your emphasis on education. Keep up the good work! Gary Johnson

#1 choice would be a 6' 3" St. Croix Avid. # 2 would be a St. Croix 6' 6" Avid. For lighter jigs I'd go with the 6' 6" ML. A M action for heavier jigs. Thanks for taking the time to write! Joe

Ask Joe Submission #7:

Now my question to you is this: I notice that after you complete your cast using your Mitchell open face reels, that you close the bail arm by hand. I never see you turning the crank in order to close your bail. I always turn the crank myself in order to close the bail. Is there a reason why you close the bail by hand? I'm just curious to know.

Great question. Yes, there is a definite reason why I close my bails by hand. It prevents that pesky loop from forming. Cranking the handle to engage the bail has a tendancy to create loops that later turn into tangles. I started manually flipping over my bails years ago. Have since totally eliminated that bothersome loop in the line. Joe

Ask Joe Submission #8:

Love your tv show. A couple weeks ago you fished a spinner bait for smallmouth bass it had chartreuse blades. Have not seen any like it in middle TN. Was wondering where I could get some. Thanks Terry Hicks

That lure was made by Roberts Outdoors and is called The SlopMaster. I customized it a bit, however. Shortened the upper wire arm by 2 inches, and attached one single #4 colorado blade instead of the factor tandem. Joe

Ask Joe Submission #9:

Do you find yourself using the 300X or 308X most of the time??? It seems like the 300X is a little large for most six to seven foot spinning rods. I do alot of finesse fishing with tubes and slider worms and it seems like the 300X might be a little overkill. What do you think??? I appreciate your help and honesty.

I use the 300X a bunch for largemouths; 6 inch worms, tubes, and craws matched with 6' 3" St. Croix and 6/6" St. Croix M actions. I use the 308X with lighter action rods 4" worms, 3" Reapers; smallie stuff. Joe

Ask Joe Submission #10:

Hi Joe: I watched your program this am. I have question about changing hook on top raider. Where can I get the piece of rubber to keep hook straight out without hanging down? I"ve used your bucktails for many years with a lot of success but I really like the top raider and plan to fish it more. Thanks. Joe H from Pa.

That's actually "shrink tubing". You can get it at any hardware store. I think it is #502, but I could be wrong on this. I'd suggest getting a selection of shrink tube sizes while you're at a favorite hardware store so you have them for various hook sizes. This shrink tube thing is a great addition to any lure that has tangling hook problems. Joe

Submissions 1 through 10 of 45

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