One
thing we found out distinctly the other day about muskies is that they like
to gobble a lure that makes plenty of commotion on the surface. It seems
that the north woods battler welcomes anything that is lively, regardless of
size and color. Noise and action make the fish want to fight harder and,
naturally, the more commotion the bait makes the greater the possibility of
attracting the ‘lunge.
The lure we used in the
Chippewa Flowage is something new. In fact, it is not yet presented for sale
to the muskie fisherman. It is about 6½ inches long with a round body about
1” in diameter. Two large propellers are attached to each end, they being
all of 1½ inches long. Talk about commotion! We certainly made plenty of it
when these two aluminum blades started churning the water as we reeled the
bait across the surface. We have a hunch that the new lure will be called
the “Lunge-Oreno”. At least, that would make a very appropriate name for the
excellent muskie catcher.
There is nothing
more thrilling than catching muskies with a surface lure. The fish usually
comes straight up and strikes the bait viciously, then dives deep and makes
a wild rush. From that time on, it is only a matter of speculation just what
the old warrior will do. However, we have discovered that the muskie will
continue his top water battle when taken on a surface bait. Spoon hooks and
other underwater baits catch many fish, but the thrilling leap and swirl
when the fish first takes the bait is lacking when compared to the
excitement that follows the striking of a top-water lure.
There is a question about
the size of the lure and its ability to attract large muskies. Some anglers
believe that the larger the plug the larger the fish. To my estimation,
there is little difference. When the ‘lunge are in the mood to strike they
will hit both small and large lures. The larger lure may hold the fish more
securely, but even so, the differences and ability of different size lures
matters little.
Editors Note: This article from Cal Johnson
provides and interesting insight into the beginning of the use of surface
lures like the surf-oreno, globe and creeper in the sport of Musky fishing.
It confirms the old adage that “there is really nothing new in Musky
fishing.”
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