Bulging Bucktails Get a Muskie's Attention
Craig Sandell © 2006

What the heck is 'Bulging a Bucktail'? Simply put, it means retrieving your bucktail in such a way as to cause the blade to create a bulge on the surface of the water without breaking the surface. This is meant to emulate a bait fish swimming close to the surface as it scampers to escape from something threatening. This works very well over sub-surface weeds. Picking the right bucktail for this type of presentation is important. There are two schools of thought to the bucktail selection:

The Heavy Approach

Pictured here is the 9" Bulger Bucktail from Brooktail Lures. It weighs 2 ounces, has two # 8 Colorado blades, and a single 7/0 VMC hook.

The weight of the lure allows you to accurately cast the lure but is also means that it will be tougher to bring the bucktail up during your retrieve. You may end up having to hold your rod tip very high and that could put you out of 'Hook Set' position. This lure is available from The Musky America Store to purchase this item.

The Light Approach

Pictured here is is a lure called the Bigg Slimm and it is made by Moore's Lures. This large, thinly tied lure uses a #6 pointed fluted blade and weighs ¾ oz. and is 8½" long. It is dressed with real bucktail and has double treble hooks. This is an un-weighted and extremely efficient shallow running bucktail.

The lack of weight makes it tougher to be accurate with your cast and it is very tough if you have a strong wind in your face or across the path of your cast. This lure is available from Moore's Lures Website Sales at a price of $8.90.

Regardless of which approach you want to take (you want to consider both), bulging a bucktail is a technique that many guides use to trigger fish suspended in sub-surface weeds.