The Musky Hunter television series is the first television show ever dedicated solely to the hard-to-catch musky.
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Southern reservoirs are loaded with shad and sometimes you have to get your bait noticed to trigger a strike. Jim Saric and Charlie Buhler tackle a southern reservoir early in the season at a time when most northern waters are still frozen.
Jim Saric and Tom Sullivan search, find, battle and release trophy muskies in mid-summer, while discussing the differences between trophy and action waters.
A properly executed figure 8 at boat side is a deadly maneuver. Jim Saric and Jim Bortz show you the effectiveness of this technique with some incredible boat side strikes.
Jim Saric and Charlie Buhler troll a Midwest reservoir searching for muskies herding shad in early season. Trolling can be feast or famine at this time, but when you find a pack of muskies, it is pandemonium.
Big water and big muskies go hand-in-hand. Jim Saric and Gregg Thomas conquer some big waves and dissect some big spots, while fighting some big muskies.
Early season can be unpredictable. Despite brutal post-frontal conditions, Jim Saric and Steve Heiting scrutinize several early season patterns, including open-water suspended muskies.
Catching muskies in mid-summer requires fishing long hours and applying various techniques. In this two-part episode, Jim Saric and Frank Walter (Farm and City Insurance contest winner) speed troll; and, Jim Saric and Tom Sullivan illustrate some topwater fundamentals.
Fall actually begins earlier than some realize. Jim Saric and Ted Takasaki, President of Lindy, discuss the many environmental factors that signal a shallow movement of big muskies.
The heat of the summer requires many different approaches. Jim Saric and Mike Hulbert explore multiple presentations from topwater to soft plastics to trigger strikes.
Fishing pressure and boating traffic often drive muskies into a night feed. Jim Saric and Chad Cain engage in a night stalking expedition for big muskies.
Fall represents a changing of the seasons and with it, changing water conditions. In this two-part episode, Jim Saric and Jim Stewart, owner of Rollie and Helen’s Musky Shop, discuss some weed patterns; and then, Jim Saric and Dennis Radloff tackle some river muskies.
There are two ways to get a big musky’s attention: speed and size. Jim Saric and Tom Sullivan illustrate how to use big profile lures and speed to trigger strikes from trophy muskies in a variety of conditions.
Jim Saric and Chad Cain battle muskies in heavy timber and unlock the mystery of fishing the “flooded forest” that is southern reservoir fishing in early spring.
Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water with thousands of islands and miles of shoreline. Jim Saric and hall of fame angler Spence Petros unlock the mysteries and demonstrate key Lake of the Woods summer patterns.
Fall may be trophy musky time, but it is also a turbulent time with frequent weather changes. Jim Saric and Dick Heckel tackle some big muskies in a myriad of changing fall weather conditions, illustrating you have to be willing to change tactics to be successful in fall.
Warm water and baitfish are the two ingredients to focus on when fishing muskies in reservoirs in early spring. While trolling a southern reservoir in early spring, Jim Saric and Charlie Buhler detail how wind, water color and water temperature can impact musky location and attitude.
Whether the current is natural or produced by strong winds, one thing is certain: it attracts muskies! Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Magazine Managing Editor Steve Heiting scrutinize several current situations while battling trophy muskies in a variety of spots.
How to manage your time on the water depends not only on your familiarity with the water, but whether you are fishing for a few hours or the entire day. First, Jim Saric and Tom Sullivan illustrate different approaches to manage your day. Then, Jim Saric and Professional Musky Tournament Trail angler Joe McCartin discuss how to fish new waters and determine patterns.
Live suckers are an excellent solution to catching muskies in fall. However, when used incorrectly, they can be deadly to muskies. Jim Saric and John Mich demonstrate how to use various quickstrike rigs with live suckers and how to use lures to decoy muskies to the boat.
Tough fall conditions require soft plastic solutions to trigger strikes. Jim Saric and Rich Belanger from St. Croix Rods dig deep into cover on a post-frontal bluebird day. Then Jim Saric, Brad Ruh and Dennis Lappen from Musky Innovations team up in a drastic cold front.
Feeding windows are periods of musky activity that are usually caused by environmental changes. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert discuss how to recognize and maximize your time in feeding windows. After, Jim provides some catch and release tips to ensure the future of our fisheries.
Rivers are dynamic systems with rapidly changing water levels and moving baitfish. In mid-summer, the muskies establish home ranges on large food shelves. Once this happens, it’s a matter of determining where on the food shelf the muskies are feeding. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus, and Tom Sullivan team up for some incredible summer-time trolling action on big rivers.
During the dog-days of summer, locating the muskies during the day is essential to setting them up to for an after-dark catch. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert demonstrate how to convert day-time follows to night-time catches.
Your ultimate musky fishing success depends upon sound fundamentals. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss the importance of sound fundamentals while battling big muskies.
Every spring can be unpredictable, and fishing patterns change annually. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Chad Cain troll a southern reservoir in flooded conditions. Then, Jim Saric and Jim Stewart from Rollie and Helen’s Musky Shop discuss early season lake hopping strategies.
Tough conditions sometimes require picking a couple spots and grinding it out rather than jumping from spot to spot. First Jim Saric and FCIS contest winner Marty Forman pound the weeds in early fall. Then Pro Guide Gregg Thomas joins Jim to grind it out for some giant night muskies.
The traditional approach to fishing most spots is to focus on the outside edge and to cast from deep to shallow. However, in early summer, focusing on the top of structural elements, the inside edge, and changing your casting approach from shallow to deep can have big results. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan explore alternative approaches to fishing traditional spots.
In fall, there is a migration of muskies following the forage up the reservoir and into creek arms. The channel edges are virtual musky highways. Jim Saric and John Mich detail the idiosyncrasies of fishing channel edges and the movement of muskies when the water temperatures drop.
The first place to start on almost any musky water is the outside weed edge. This transition from the open water to the shallow cover is a major feeding area. Jim Saric, teams up with Brad Ruh and Dennis Lappen from Musky Innovations utilizing a variety of soft plastics to trigger strikes from deep weed edges.
Summer days allow for long hours of musky fishing and to be successful you have to be willing to adapt to the conditions. That not only means changing lures, but switching between casting and trolling techniques. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus, and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan embark on a casting and trolling mission in search of giant muskies.
Musky fishing is much like detective work. You have to recognize the clues to determine not only where the muskies live, but how to get them to bite. First, Jim Saric and Rich Belanger from St. Croix Rods discuss eliminating options and the thought process when fishing new water. Then Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan detail a shallow sand pattern often overlooked.
Once the muskies complete spawning, they may be located in shallow cover, holding on the edges, or suspended in open water. As conditions change the muskies can move on a daily basis. Jim Saric, Managing Editor of Musky Hunter Magazine Steve Heiting and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert discuss the movement of muskies after the spawn while fishing a variety of spots.
As the water temperature drops in fall muskies leave their summer haunts and follow bait to warmer water, and begin staging in the vicinity of spring spawning areas. Trolling is your best option to contact these roving packs of muskies. First, Jim Saric and Steve Miller from Mercury Marine troll a large flat trying to maximize lure coverage. Then, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Dennis Radloff troll a river mouth loaded with bait and roaming muskies.
Does color matter? Color may not be the most important factor in musky fishing, but it directly impacts your confidence, and confidence is a key component in musky fishing. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss lure color changes in relation to light, wind and water color.
Every spring can be a rollercoaster ride in your attempt to locate muskies. With water temperatures rising during the day and falling at night, you may catch muskies in open water in the morning and in weeds in the afternoon, and vice-versa the next day. You have to pay close attention to what is happening around you. Jim Saric and Jon Mathews from Mercury Marine reveal an approach for keeping in close contact with the muskies.
When you finally hook that giant musky, the last thing you need is something to go wrong when landing that trophy. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus, and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan highlight the ins and outs of a proper game plan for safely landing and releasing muskies.
Lake of the Woods (LOW) is truly Lake of the Muskies. However, LOW’s giant size and thousands of islands can make both navigating and finding muskies difficult. Jim Saric and Musky Hunters John Mich and Marc Ericksen simplify musky fishing on LOW by using lessons learned over the years at the University of Esox.
As the water temperatures drop in fall, one thing you can count on is a movement of muskies toward the shallow water. It is amazing how shallow the muskies can be located. One of the most productive areas at this time of year are rocks. Jim Saric and Jim Stewart from The Musky Shop dissect fishing various rocky areas in a myriad of conditions from flat calm and sunny to cloudy and windy.
Eagle Lake is legendary in musky lore, and has historically produced some of the largest muskies of all time. A renaissance has occurred over the last several years where the lake not only still produces trophy muskies, but also has seen an increase in overall numbers. Jim Saric, and Pro Guides Steve Herbeck and Danny Herbeck from Andy Meyer’s Lodge outline a solid gameplan for success on Eagle Lake.
With the explosion of muskies throughout the US, numerous waters exist adjacent to major metropolitan areas. Although these waters can be productive, the large number of anglers fishing them calls for a slightly different approach to be successful. First, Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Charlie Buhler hit a water near Milwaukee, WI. Then Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Phil Gutman fish a popular water in the Chicago area.
Weather conditions and fish activity will always dictate your tactics. Although a run-and-gun approach works best on many days, sometimes it’s best to slow down and hit the breaks. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert hit the water in Spring during post-frontal conditions. Then Jim Saric and Pro Guide Brad Hoppe tackle a major fall cold snap.
In many southern waters, musky fishing is a year-round activity, as there is no successful reproduction. These waters exist based on stocking and catch and release. Yet, in spring, musky location still depends upon the spawning ritual. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guides Gregg Thomas and Tony Grant troll a Kentucky reservoir for some ice out muskies. Then Jim Saric and Pro Guide Chad Cain try to solve the post-spawn mystery.
Every fall, muskies in rivers migrate as a result of falling water temperatures. Some resident populations move to follow food. In rivers adjacent to the Great Lakes, there is a migration of muskies out of the Lakes and into the rivers in search of food and ultimately to stage adjacent to spawning areas. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan explore multiple trolling options in big rivers in pursuit of the migrating musky.
You can never underestimate the importance of communicating with your fishing partner. No matter what the season, it’s imperative that all anglers use lures that complement one another based on the conditions and your objectives. For example, if you are searching for active fish, everyone must use fast-moving lures. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter John Mich cover the advantages of using various lures that complement one-another, and the situations when they are most productive.
What’s the first thing you do when the muskies aren’t biting? Switch lures. Although that often works, sometimes it pays to experiment with lure speed, first. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus, and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan demonstrate the importance of varying lure speed to trigger more strikes.
How often have you heard the phrase “you should have been here yesterday, they were biting like crazy.” As a musky hunter we rarely encounter perfect weather conditions, and more often than not, we are dealt post-frontal conditions that indicate tough fishing. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting and University of Esox Instructor Kevin Schmidt reveal spot selection and lure strategies for catching muskies when facing tough summer conditions.
When you think about Lake of the Woods, one name is often synonymous with muskies…Bill Sandy. Bill is a legendary guide on Lake of the Woods, having fished it for over forty years. Jim Saric, and Pro Guide Bill Sandy reveal some of Bill’s secrets for consistently catching muskies, no matter where you fish on Lake of the Woods.
Every season musky hunters are faced with a variety of weather conditions. Flat, calm conditions can appear to make the muskies stagnant, yet understanding how muksies move during such conditions can open the door to some great catches spring, summer or fall. First, Jim Saric and musky hunter Scott Schuster handle an early summer heat wave. Then, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Gregg Thomas tackle calm conditions during a fall cold snap.
Want to take your catches to the next level? Then the University of Esox musky school is for you. Through classroom, dock-side and on-the-water instruction, the University of Esox has been helping anglers make their musky dreams come true for 15 years. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting, University of Esox instructor Kevin Schmidt, and musky hunters John Mich and Marc Ericksen provide an inside look at the University of Esox on Lake of the Woods.
When the cold winds of fall come howling and freeze-up approaches, it’s time to crack out the big soft plastics. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert battle some monster muskies using monster-sized soft plastics on a late season adventure.
Wind can be the musky hunter friend and foe. Wind creates commotion in the underwater world and cuts light penetration creating a feeding opportunity for apex predators like muskies. Wind also can create havoc with boat control and lure presentations. First, Jim Saric, and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan battle strong winds with an approaching storm. Then Jim Saric, Brad Ruh and Dennis Lappen from Musky Innovations grind it out in giant winds.
Musky hunters — much like the fish we chase — love to focus on edges. Yet, a whole group of muskies never approach weed edges or rock bars, but spend their entire season cruising the abyss of the basin feeding on open-water forage. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert provide an approach and tools for dissecting the basin on any water to find and catch the muskies.
The more you fish muskies the more you realize there’s more than one way to catch them. In fact, it’s not uncommon to be able to catch muskies both trolling and casting on the same water. Jim Saric illustrates a dynamite trolling system that exists in many waters across the musky range. Taking advantage of this system opens up a whole new alternative, wherever you chase muskies.
While the northern waters are frozen in spring, muskies are catchable in the open waters of the South. The key to catching these fish early is to understand both the musky and shad spawning process. First, Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Advertising Representative Charlie Buhler, and musky hunter Chris Juhas use smaller rattle baits for pre-spawn muskies. Then, Jim Saric and Matt Rayner from Ranger Boats use a variety of lures to catch muskies amid the Shad spawn.
Big water is synonymous with big muskies. Consider the largest waters in North America and they consistently produce some of the largest muskies. Because of their sheer size, these big waters can also make locating and catching muskies difficult. It can be feast or famine. First, Jim Saric along with musky hunters Rick Mikel and Sam Patza, work bucktails over a giant weed flat. Then, Jim Saric and Jim Stewart from the Musky Shop work deep edges in search of a big water, breakline bruiser.
We are all looking for that magic lure that will instantly put more muskies in the boat. In reality, that silver bullet doesn’t exist. Your best ally on any musky trip is your brain. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bob Turgeon demonstrate that paying close attention to how muskies are responding to your lures and making presentation adjustments can get them to bite.
Lake of the Woods in Ontario Canada is often referred to as “Lake of the Muskies” because it is full of thousands of islands and hundreds of miles of shoreline loaded with muskies. Jim Saric, Legendary Angler Spence Petros and Dennis Lappen from Musky Innovations describe how to recognize the best musky spots on Lake of the Woods and which lures catch them.
All we are simply trying to do every day on the water is to get a bite. Once we get one musky to bite it seems getting the next one is much easier. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus and Dr. Mark Carlson discuss how to mix up your presentations to determine what the muskies want, and how to maximize the situation once the “hot lure” is discovered. Also, Dr. Mark Carlson provides some great information on how to prepare for the musky season and make it through a long musky trip.
Apex predators like muskies use breaklines, drop-offs, or edges to migrate and feed like superhighways with frequent fast-food stops. In fall, there’s nothing much tastier to a big musky than a sucker. Jim Saric and Live Bait Wizard, John Mich, work suckers along breaklines, offering a free meal to muskies on the prowl along the edge.
Located 100 miles northeast of Toronto, Ontario Canada is the Kawartha Lakes Region. These connected waters of the Trent-Severn waterway offer a variety of lakes with different characteristics full of muskies. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Rodel Misa highlight the features of the various Kawartha Lakes, and the techniques to successfully catch muskies from this incredible fishery.
When dealing with large flats there are a lot of ways to catch muskies, but the high-percentage approach to catch them is trolling. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bob Turgeon troll several large, shallow flats awaiting the tell-tale sound of a musky strike—a ripping drag.
Ever approach a musky trip with a solid game plan only to find out that the plan doesn’t work? In this episode, Jim and his guests have to switch gears and change the game plan in three different situations to catch muskies. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert search open water and weed edges for muskies in late spring. Then Jim Saric and Ryan Medo from Joe Bucher Outdoors sift through shallow weed cover in search of a strike. Finally, Jim Saric, Jim Stewart and Gene Robinson from The Musky Shop work deep breaks for fall muskies.
Lake St. Clair is a musky factory. It’s massive and every year continues to kick out incredible numbers of muskies. With over 2/3 of Lake St. Clair located in Ontario, Canada, a prime location to start is Windsor, Ontario since it provides easy access to both the Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bob Devine troll subtle humps at the mouths of several small rivers in search of hungry packs of roaming muskies.
When muskies move deeper in fall, what’s the best tool to get down to their level and get noticed? A jig. A Bulldawg is simply a giant jig with a big tail that’s simply irresistible to big muskies. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert fish both large flats outside a river, and deep holes in a river attempting to coax big muskies to eat big dawgs.
Legendary Guide Bill Sandy has such an uncanny ability to convert following muskies into strikers that he has earned the reputation as “the musky whisper” as some believe he can talk to the muskies! Jim Saric and Legendary Guide Bill Sandy. who owns Sandy’s Blackhawk Island Camp in the Northwest Angle of Ontario Canada on Lake of the Woods, demonstrate the secret to getting muskies to strike while executing a figure 8 at boatside.
No matter where you fish, there are always local preferred techniques or lures that are supposedly the “best” or “only“ way to catch muskies from that water. For the savvy musky hunter, the mantra “a musky is a musky is a musky” rings true because any lure or technique can be productive if the situation is correct. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bob Devine troll Depthraiders in the Windsor Ontario Canada region of Lake St. Clair, and demonstrate that even Eastern muskies prefer the Raider Nation from Wisconsin.
Unstable summer conditions coupled with cool nights can make the musky’s behavior seem sluggish. Jim Saric and Legendary Guide Bill Sandy team up to trigger some lazy lunges into biting on Lake of the Woods.
Lake St. Clair is comprised of miles of vast open-water. Muskies roam the shallow basin following schools of shad and perch. It’s a troller’s paradise. Yet, for those willing to brave a casting approach, the rewards can be incredible. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Spencer Berman unlock the secrets of casting the abyss for trophy muskies.
The Ottawa River travels more than 700 miles dividing the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec before ultimately discharging into the St. Lawrence River. It has historically produced some of the largest muskies throughout Canada. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan reveal some key strategies for fishing several stretches of “The Big O”.
After a front passes and the muskies have fed heavily, it sometimes seems like the fish have left the lake during the next few days. In reality, the strike zone or distance the muskies are willing to chase a lure has decreased, so the muskies are more difficult to catch. During these tough times, you have to slow down your presentation and pick the area apart. First, Jim Saric and Steve Miller from Mercury Marine battle big winds in big water. Then, Jim and Pro Guide Mike Lazarus tackle an impending storm while fishing a river.
Spring success revolves around locating the spawning areas and focusing on the adjacent structural elements. However, many lakes, rivers and reservoirs throughout the musky range offer a wide variety of cover and fish completely differently. First, Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Charlie Buhler fish a featureless reservoir. Then Jim and Pro Guide Mike Hulbert fish a series of natural lakes for post-spawn muskies.
Lake Nipissing is the fifth largest water in Ontario, Canada and the headwaters of the French River. It’s big water that holds giant muskies. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Lazarus and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan highlight some trolling tactics for breaking down this massive water and catching dinosaur-sized muskies.
Cedar Lake is a musky gem located in Northwest Ontario, Canada, offering a wide variety of water colors and structural elements to fish. Its horseshoe shape and valley-like setting protect the lake — so no matter the weather, you can always find a place to fish. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Charlie Buhler unlock the secrets to Cedar Lake Lunge.
Summertime means warm weather, long days and extended feeding windows. Trolling or casting approaches can be effective anywhere across the musky range. First Jim Saric trolls in flat-calm, scorching hot conditions for early summer muskies. Then Jim and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan battle the summer heat to cast a variety of spots in search of a big bite.
Lake of the Woods is big water with literally thousands of islands and hundreds of miles of shoreline with muskies awaiting your offering. However, the more you fish Lake of the Woods, the more you realize there are subtle nuances that will help you boat more muskies. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting and Musky Pro Kevin Schmidt unleash some of their “Woods Wisdom” after spending countless hours and numerous trips fishing Lake of the Woods.
There is no question that post-frontal conditions can make musky fishing difficult, particularly in mid-summer when the air and water temperatures plummet. Taking advantage of muskies holding in thick cover, along with those that bite at dark, are essential approaches for success. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Charlie Buhler provide the straight facts for locating and catching muskies during a summer cold front.
Whether you are fishing spring, summer or fall, you have to bring the correct assortment of lures and tactics to boat muskies. First, Jim Saric and Jason Parsons from Ranger boats cover some tactics for spring muskies in southern reservoirs. Then Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting and Musky Pro Kevin Schmidt discuss trigger tactics for summer muskies.
Cedar Lake in Northwest Ontario, Canada, offers a wide variety of water colors and structural elements to chase muskies throughout the entire season; however, there’s something magical about being alone on the water in early fall. Jim Saric and Musky Hunters Charlie Buhler and John Mich join Cedar Lake Lodge owner Al Rempel to reveal the secrets to catching Cedar Lake muskies.
No matter where you chase muskies, there are three keys to consider if you want to be successful: focus, execution and time management. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan demonstrate how these three keys can greatly impact your musky trip.
After the spawn, muskies often cruise shallow flats in search of food. Early in the season, these flats have scattered weed cover making it difficult to hold muskies in one location, so they are constantly on the move. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Charlie Buhler cast and troll shallow flats in search of early summer muskies.
Lake St. Clair is a musky factory and in mid-summer, casting and trolling the open water is the most effective approach. However, when Mother Nature brings giant winds, it’s time to change the approach and fish the adjacent rivers. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Spencer Berman discuss an alternative approach to fishing for summer muskies — fishing the St. Clair River.
The Winnipeg River in Ontario Canada, flowing north from Lake of the Woods in Kenora towards Manitoba, is an incredible musky fishery. Besides the Winnipeg River there are some great lake fishing opportunities in this system. Jim Saric and Musky Hunters Scott Schuster and Steve Smith detail their approach for catching muskies in the lakes as well as the river.
Depending on where you are located within the musky range, summer can arrive at significantly different times and also produce extreme temperature changes. First Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting fish early summer muskies in Northern WI under conditions which seem much more like opening day. Then Jim and Pro Guide Spencer Berman troll Lake St. Clair in the middle of summer after a massive cold front.
The Kawartha Lakes are located approximately 100 miles northeast of Toronto, Ontario and consist of a series of lakes within the Trent-Severn waterway. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Taro Murata, and Musky Hunter John Cowan offer a number of summer strategies for fishing the Kawartha lakes.
In summer, evening and approaching storms are two prime situations when you can expect increased musky activity. First Jim Saric and Musky Hunters Charlie Buhler and John Mich try to make the most of the situation with an approaching storm. Then Jim and John Mich fish prime evening conditions on Lake of the Woods in Ontario.
There is something special about musky fishing in fall. Temperatures are dropping and the muskies are feeding, as the season rapidly approaches its end. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter John Mich offer the traditional live bait and artificial lure approach for late fall muskies in Northern Wisconsin.
Lake Nipissing and the French river are known for one thing: giant muskies. Every year some of the largest muskies in North Amercia are caught from these waters. Jim Saric, Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan and Musky Hunter Mike Baron troll the French River and Lake Nipissing in search of a late fall trophy.
Lake of the Woods in Northwest Ontario Canada is the dream destination for many anglers. Afterall, with the nickname “Lake of the Muskies” who could resist a trip? Jim Saric and Legendary Guide Bill Sandy explore multiple fishing options on Lake of the Woods, while battling a series of extreme weather changes over a 24-hour period.
High water can wreak havoc on your ability to catch muskies as some spots may become unrecognizeable. Plus muskies can make subtle locational adjustments. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting, and University of Esox Instructor Kevin Schmidt reveal strategies for coping with high water.
Many musky anglers pursue muskies primarily in shallow water situations. However, in some river systems as well as lakes, there is a population of muskies relating to deep water. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Spencer Berman demonstrate how to vertical jig in deep water on a river during summer.
Eagle Lake in Northwest Ontario is a legendary musky fishing destination; however, muskies in the clear waters of Eagle Lake are not always easy to catch. NorthShore Lodge is located in the heart of Eagle Lake’s best musky fishing. Jim Saric, NorthShore Lodge owner Scott Jaeger and Musky Hunter Shane Spencer tackle Eagle Lake muskies in late summer.
When the lakes of the north county are frozen and/or the fishing season is closed, why sit home during spring? There are many musky waters in the lower Midwest teaming with muskies awaiting your presentation. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Duane Serck fish shallow cover for an early season musky bonanza.
Early summer can be feast or famine since every summer can be different depending upon the weather across the musky range. The key is to stick to your high-percentage spots before trying alternatives. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan reveal their secrets for early summer success.
Restoule Lake is located approximately 4 hours north of Toronto in Ontario Canada and is a secluded gem of a musky water. If you are looking for a quiet get-away with both numbers of muskies and trophies, Restoule Lake is worth checking out. In this episode, Jim Saric and Musky Hunter John Cowan unleash the muskies of Restoule Lake.
We fish the entire season hoping for a day when the muskies are on the prowl and biting everywhere. When that day comes, you have to be prepared to fish fast and be on your toes in case you hook a giant. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss strategic maneuvers you can make on the water while the muskies are on the prowl.
Lake Superior is not known for its musky fishery, but the Goulais River (approximately 25 miles north of Sault Saint Marie, Ontario) harbors a local population of muskies. These muskies may spend their summer in Lake Superior, but in spring and early summer, they can be found in the Goulais River. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Rob Cadeau unlock the mystery of Lake Superior Muskies.
Lake of the Woods in Northwest Ontario Canada is the dream destination for many anglers, and there is no one with more knowledge of LOW than Legendary Guide Bill Sandy. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bill Sandy explore multiple musky patterns on LOW that yield success in summer and fall.
The Musky’s range has expanded into the southern U.S., opening tremendous spring opportunities of which few musky anglers take advantage. In the first part of this two-part episode, Jim Saric and the Pro Guide team from Rock On Charters float the James River in Virginia in pursuit of southern muskies. Then, Jim Saric picks apart a southern Illinois reservoir in spring.
Wiley Point is a four-star resort located approximately 20 miles southwest of Kenora, Ontario on Lake of the Woods. This area has hundreds of islands with current moving between them and the majority of them hold muskies. Even though it seems like muskies are located everywhere. it doesn’t mean they are easy to catch. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Keith Davison dissect the Wiley Point region of LOW and reveal how to catch the muskies that swim in it.
Early summer musky fishing revolves around the most abundant shallow cover available. Depending upon the water, the shallow cover may be weeds, rocks or timber. Jim Saric and trophy hunter Tom Sullivan outline a strategy for pulling muskies from shallow cover.
The Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada is known as musky central. There are thousands of islands with hundreds of spots that all seem like they can hold muskies. Jim Saric and Legendary Hall of Fame angler Spence Petros provide insight on locating and catching muskies in this area. Spence also reflects upon the evolution and revolution of musky fishing.
Everyone has fished a lake when the water was high, but water levels 20 feet above normal pool takes high water to a whole new level. Jim Saric, and pro guides Gregg Thomas and Tony Grant use a combination of casting and trolling techniques to battle the high waters of Cave Run Lake in Kentucky.
The Kawartha Lakes, located 100 miles northeast of Toronto, are loaded with muskies that can be caught by fishing a variety of techniques. These waters are similar to many northern WI waters but are much larger in size. Jim Saric, and musky hunters John Cowan and Tim O’Reilly highlight the many patterns on the Kawartha Lakes that make them a perfect summer escape.
Every musky hunter can’t wait to jump-start their season, and the many southern musky fisheries make that possible earlier than ever before. First, Jim Saric and Duane Serck fish an Illinois reservoir in early spring. Then, Jim and pro guides Cory Allen and Jake Priegel reveal the secrets to catching the monster muskies of Tennessee’s Melton Hill Lake.
Lake Nipissing, the headwaters of the French River in Ontario Canada, is known throughout the musky range as premier trophy water. However, Nipissing is big water containing large musky spots. Success on Lake Nipissing requires both a casting and trolling approach to locate and dissect the musky holding areas. First, Jim Saric, Mike Lazarus and Tom Sullivan troll in late fall; then Jim, pro guide Dan Colomby and Regan Thompson from Mashkinonje Lodge cast the West Arm in summer.
In late fall, muskies make a migration toward their spawning areas. In the Great Lakes, these areas include the mouths of rivers. Trolling is a great way to keep in contact with these migrating muskies, and put you one strike away from a giant. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan troll Lake St. Clair in search of a late season trophy in this can’t-miss episode.
Lake of the Woods Legendary Guide Bill Sandy is known for his calm demeanor and incredible boatside maneuvers, with big muskies chasing his lures at boatside. In this episode, Jim Saric and Legendary angler Bill Sandy reveal some tips on triggering muskies on the figure 8.
Throughout the season, storms can impact your musky success. As a storm approaches, musky fishing can be fast and furious; however, after the storm passes, it takes awhile for the musky fishing to rebound. In this scenario, it takes much more effort to trigger strikes until the weather stabilizes. First, Jim Saric and Tom Sullivan battle strong winds at the tail-end of a storm; then, Jim and pro guide Mike Hulbert try to locate muskies after a giant storm.
Located near Tweed in eastern Ontario, Canada, is the Moira River. Two musky lakes that are part of this system are Stoco and Moira lakes. These lakes offer a great opportunity at both numbers and trophy muskies. Jim Saric and musky hunter John Cowan explore Stoco Lake and provide tips on attacking new waters.
As the musky range has been expanded with stocking near metropolitan areas, some great musky fishing opportunities have developed close to many musky anglers. However, with increased fishing and boating pressure, consistency requires fishing at odd hours; a thorough knowledge of spots; and, the ability to modify lures to adapt to the conditions. Jim Saric, pro guide Ryan McMahon and musky hunter field editor Bob Turgeon fish the Minneapolis metro area in search of pressured-water muskies.
Lake of the Woods is one of the most popular destinations for all musky anglers. However, the southern portion of Lake of the Woods is often bypassed for better-known areas. Jim Saric and musky hunters John Mich and Scott Kolpin outline a strategy for fishing this overlooked section of this massive water.
No matter where you chase muskies, you need to start the day with a game plan evaluating multiple options and making adjustments based upon the muskies response. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting, and musky hunter Kevin Schmitt discuss how to develop a game plan on the water, while fishing in the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada.
Summer musky fishing requires managing your time during the long days and adjusting your tactics based upon the time of day and the conditions. Jim Saric and trophy hunter Tom Sullivan tackle some giant summer muskies while battling big winds.
To beat the summer heat, an early morning and late evening approach puts the percentages in your favor for consistently catching muskies. Jim Saric, and pro guide Mike Hulbert fish split-shifts in mid-summer in search of a Lake St. Clair trophy.
Cedar Lake in Ontario Canada is a popular summer musky destination. However, when September rolls around, it’s like fishing a new lake, as it is devoid of musky anglers. Jim Saric and musky hunters John Mich and Scott Kolpin feed their Cedar Fever with an early fall trip to Cedar Lake.
Balsam Lake is part of the Kawartha Lakes, located 100 miles northeast of Toronto. These waters are loaded with muskies, but Balsam Lake is known for some of the largest fish in the Kawarthas, producing several 50-inch class fish every year. Jim Saric and musky hunters John Cowan and Pete Hoffmann outline tactics for luring trophy muskies on Balsam Lake and the surrounding Kawartha Lakes while dodging summer storms.
Timing is everything, particularly in musky fishing. When a feeding window opens and the muskies are biting, it requires specific techniques to catch as many muskies as possible in a short period. On the other hand, when fishing is slow, it requires a different approach to trigger musky strikes from thick cover. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan detail when to utilize various techniques given a particular situation to maximize your results.
The Ottawa River, flowing several hundred miles throughout Ontario Canada, is rich in musky fishing lore, and has produced some of the largest muskies on record. Jim Saric and pro guide John Anderson pursue the giants of the Ottawa River, and John provides some interesting historical and biological facts regarding the Ottawa river that explain why it’s called, The Musky Factory.
Lake of the Woods legendary guide, Bill Sandy, is a wealth of musky information. Whenever you fish with him, school is in session. His ability to read musky follows, react, and convert strikes is incredible. First, Jim Saric and Bill Sandy reveal some strategies for triggering boatside strikes; then, Jim and Tom Sullivan discuss locating and catching summertime muskies in hot and flat conditions.
In late fall, as water temperatures drop, muskies roam edges in search of food. Jim Saric and pro guide Ryan McMahon demonstrate a unique live bait trolling approach for contacting muskies cruising the edge.
In northern Wisconsin, casting artificial lures and trailing live bait is a fall tradition. However, success with such an approach relies on a rapid drop in water temperatures to activate muskies and concentrate them along edges. Jim Saric and sucker savant, John Mich, cast jerkbaits and trail suckers in search of a late fall giant.
Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada, is known as musky central, and the Morson area is in the heart of some of the best musky fishing on LOW. Tamarack Island Wilderness Lodge, located 9 miles west of Morson, is an area surrounded by both large and small islands loaded with muskies. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Field Editor Bob Turgeon and Pro Guide Ryan McMahon reveal the secrets to fishing this section of LOW.
Lake Nipissing, in Ontario Canada, is known throughout the musky range as premier trophy water and Bear Creek Cottages in South Bay is located in the land of the giants. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Dan Colomby and Lodge Owner Shawn Degagne cast and troll South Bay in search of monster muskies.
Lake St. Clair is big water with giant muskies. However, with baitfish constantly on the move and water color changing due to wind and storms, locating muskies can be difficult. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Spencer Berman and Brad Ruh, inventor of the Bulldawg, cast Pounders in a variety of conditions in pursuit of trophy muskies.
No matter where you chase muskies, you will most likely encounter a period of big wind during the season. This often requires changing your game plan and fishing secondary spots, as well as making mental adjustments to make the most of your trip. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan outline strategies for dealing with windy conditions to salvage your trip.
Casting artificial lures and trailing live bait is a tradition in the fall throughout the Wisconsin Northwoods. Yet everywhere across the musky range, fall conditions can be extreme as the musky season rapidly comes to an end. First, Jim Saric and Musky Hunters John Mich and Scott Kolpin fish dark water in unseasonably warm fall conditions. Then, Jim, Pro Guide Rob Manthei and John Mich tackle a clear water lake in blizzard conditions.
Cedar Lake in Perrault Falls, Ontario, Canada, is a popular summer musky destination and Keystone Lodge, located on the eastern end of the lake, allows easy access to the variety of musky hot spots. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter field editor Bob Turgeon present a game-plan for summer muskies on Cedar and demonstrate how to dial in the pattern for the day.
Southern reservoirs offer a great opportunity to jump-start your season. With shad roaming these reservoirs, maximizing your results requires a willingness to implement both casting and trolling techniques. First, Jim Saric and Musky Hunters Charlie Buhler and John Mich cast a reservoir. Then, Jim and Pro Guides Gregg Thomas and Tony Grant utilize trolling techniques on Cave Run Lake in Kentucky.
Lake Nosbonsing, located southeast of North Bay in Ontario, Canada, is often overlooked, but is known for producing trophy muskies. It offers a wide-variety of both weed and rock spots, and Big Moose Camp is the gateway to this fabulous lake. In this episode, Jim Saric and John Cowan outline strategies for fishing Lake Nosbonsing. Then, Jim and Musky Hunter John Muszynski troll for early season muskies on a metro water.
In late fall as water temperatures drop, muskies roam edges in search of food. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Ryan McMahon demonstrate how suckers rule when trolling live bait along weed edges in search of muskies cruising that edge.
Madison, Wisconsin is home to some of the best metro-musky fishing anywhere across the musky range. First, Jim Saric and pro guide Jeff Hanson fish the mad-city outlining an approach for late spring. Then, Jim and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss when to fish big, bold baits in early season.
Some of the best musky fishing occurs with an impending storm. To make the most of these conditions, you often need to work as a team to determine the hot baits and fish fast covering water to maximize the number of bites you can get throughout the day. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter Field Editor Bob Turgeon discuss strategies for making the most of the situation when the bite is on.
Musky hunters often schedule their trophy trips in the winter months, then plan and prepare hoping everything falls into place. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan arrived on their annual trip after a two-day period of storms with post-frontal conditions. As the day progressed, the conditions changed, and the subtle presentation adjustments they made produced an epic day.
The Kawartha Lakes in Ontario, Canada are known throughout the musky range as an incredible action fishery, routinely kicking out trophy muskies. Jim Saric, along with musky hunters John Cowan and Pete Hoffmann, outline their strategy for fishing the Kawarthas, while experiencing some of the musky mayhem the Kawarthas are known to produce.
In summer, stable weather creates consistent musky fishing but also results in “resident” muskies frequently holding on the same spots. Often a storm, rapidly dropping temperatures, or some environmental change is required to hit the reset button on the system and bring a fresh batch of muskies into shallow cover. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Ryan McMahon demonstrate how to pick apart shallow cover and make adjustments as the weather changes.
The Indian Lake chain in Vermilion Bay, Ontario, Canada is an over-looked musky fishery offering a wide variety of musky waters with some extremely fun opportunities. Regardless of the conditions, you can always find and catch muskies. Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting, and Kevin Schmidt detail how to fish this diverse fishery, even when battling giant winds.
Due to changing conditions and warming water temperatures during the transition from late spring into early summer, muskies often are located along weed edges and breaklines. These edges form a natural intersection between baitfish and muskies. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Chris Taurisano utilize both casting and trolling techniques to locate muskies during this transition period.
The French River in Ontario, Canada, is rich in musky fishing history and lore, having produced some of the largest muskies on record. Jim Saric, musky hunter John Cowan and lodge owner Scott Siler discuss a game plan for fishing a variety of spots and utilizing various techniques for fishing the French River in search of trophy muskies.
Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada, is known as a musky factory, but unstable conditions can turn even this musky mecca into “real” musky fishing! Jim Saric and Legendary Pro Guide Bill Sandy locate the muskies on a variety of spots but have to throw the “kitchen sink” at the muskies to convert followers into biters.
Musky fishing is often associated with long hours of hard work associated with short periods of pandemonium. Often short feeding windows occur due to environmental changes such as changing wind, light and moon periods. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss how to interpret these windows in order to predict when muskies will bite, thus maximizing time on the water.
No matter where you pursue muskies, unstable weather conditions can produce challenging musky fishing and require extra effort to solve the puzzle. First, Jim Saric, Pro Guide Steve Herbeck and lodge owner Julian Kalka tackle famous Eagle Lake during post-frontal conditions. Then, Jim, Musky Hunter Managing Editor Steve Heiting, and Kevin Schmidt battle giant winds on Lake of the Woods.
In fall, sunny and bright conditions, particularly when fishing stained water, can produce some great musky action on both artificial lures and live bait. Jim Saric and musky hunter John Mich discuss how to maximize musky catching opportunities by taking advantage of the solar heat production on bright fall days.
To be successful throughout the season, musky hunters need to be versed in a wide-variety of techniques, and explore any potential option. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guide Jeff Hanson cast shallow cover on the pressured waters. Then, Jim and musky hunter John Mich work live suckers along weed edges. Finally, Jim and Kurt Mazurek from Shimano troll in late fall in pursuit of a trophy.
Biometrics are all of the factors that impact a musky’s activity level. Jim Saric and Jeff Lang from Blue Sky Invention Company discuss the Musky Hunter Television app and how it uses biometrics to predict musky activity and take your musky catches to an entirely new level!
The New River in Virginia may be on the fringe of the musky range, but it’s a mainstream musky fishery. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Ken Trail maneuver the shallow and swift waters of the New River, while discussing strategies for locating early season river muskies.
When fishing large flats in summer there are many presentation options. Cool temperatures in early summer can delay weed growth and scatter muskies, making trolling the most effective approach. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan battle big winds and big water while trolling for summer muskies.
Steven’s Bay on Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada, is a neglected gem loaded with muskies. Jim Saric, Pro Guide and Lodge Owner Perry Anniuk, and musky hunter Bob Turgeon navigate the waters surrounding Young’s Wilderness Camp, and detail the keys to catching muskies in this section of Lake of the Woods.
Every fall across the musky range when the first cold nights occur and water temperatures drop, muskies begin a resurgence to shallow cover, and in some waters move ultra shallow in the sand. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Ryan McMahon tackle Minnesota Metro waters during the first cold snap of fall, in search of shallow water muskies.
Cedar Lake in Perrault Falls, Ontario, Canada, is a diverse musky fishery with multiple water colors and structural elements. Jim Saric and musky hunter Bob Turgeon grind through post-frontal conditions and sift through shallow cover utilizing boatside tactics to trigger Cedar Lake Skis to bite.
The Great Lakes are home to some of the best musky fisheries across North America. In summer, the muskies often establish a home range around large, shallow weed flats. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bret Alexander encountered a pack of muskies on an overcast and rainy summer day and with the biometrics being high, they burned blades covering water quickly, trigging strikes from multiple muskies.
Jack’s Lake in Apsley, Ontario, Canada, is an overlooked sleeper musky water in the Kawartha Lakes region, but should not be ignored. In this summer strategy session, first, Jim Saric, along with musky hunters John Cowan and Pete Hoffmann, dissect Jack’s Lake in mid-summer. Then, Jim and Pro Guide Chris Taurisano utilize various casting techniques in pursuit of early-summer muskies.
As water temperatures drop and freeze-up rapidly approaches, the musky feeding windows become shorter. Decision-making and strategy are paramount to make the most of the short, fall days. Jim Saric and musky hunter John Mich reveal their secrets for maximizing your time on the water in late fall, along with live bait and artificial strategies to decoy and catch muskies.
In early summer, the first few extremely warm days can trigger mayfly hatches that attract baitfish, and ultimately muskies. Jim Saric and Trophy Hunter Tom Sullivan discuss strategies for trolling during a massive mayfly hatch while fishing Lake St. Clair on a hot, flat, summer day.
Talon Lake in Bonfield, Ontario, Canada, is located along the Mattawa River and is known for producing trophy muskies. However, since it is located between lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River, it is often ignored. In this Canadian special, first, Jim Saric and musky hunters Tom Morris and John Cowan explore the waters of Talon Lake. Then, Jim, Legendary Pro Guide Bill Sandy and Jeff Lang of Blue Sky Invention Company dodge storms while fishing a variety of spots on Lake of the Woods.
A 10-degree drop in water temperatures and freeze warnings at night put this trophy musky trip in serious jeopardy. When presented with the challenge, Jim Saric and Musky Guru Bob Turgeon analyzed the elements and focused on fishing thicker weed cover and shallow rocky areas where the muskies maximize solar heat.
Lake St. Clair may be a musky factory, but with ever-changing conditions, water color and musky location can change daily. Jim Saric, Pro Guide Mike Hulbert, and Chaos Tackle Owner Rick Albers took advantage of early morning bites, current areas and open water to tackle Great Lakes muskies.
In early summer, bright skies and unstable weather can scatter muskies, making trolling the most effective approach. On this classic trip, Jim Saric and his daughters Callie and Sophia troll breaklines and open water in search of suspended muskies.
The Musky Hunter has traveled to many great destinations throughout Ontario, Canada. This episode features the Best of Western Ontario. First, Jim Saric and musky hunters John Mich and Scott Kolpin explore Cedar Lake. Then, Jim, lodge owner Scott Jeager, and Shane Spencer fish famed Eagle Lake. Finally, Jim and legendary guide Bill Sandy dissect Lake of the Woods.
During the transition from spring to summer the muskies can be located both in cover and suspended in open water. Add an intense heat wave and fishing early mornings, staying versatile, and keeping an open mind are keys to a successful game plan. Jim Saric, and Pro Guides Chris Taurisano and Andy Schiera cover the musky gamut to contact muskies.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, is home to the largest muskies in the heart of musky country. It’s a classic case of big water and big muskies. Jim Saric and Pro Guide Bret Alexander troll a huge flat in search of muskies cruising the edge and roaming the weeds.
In fall, as water temperatures drop, summer home ranges disappear and muskies roam the breaklines. Jim Saric and Musky Hunter John Mich fish a variety of waters trolling crankbaits and casting jerkbaits while trailing live bait on the quest for a late fall giant.
Eastern Ontario Canada is known for big waters that hold giant muskies. This episode turns back the clock and features the Beasts of Eastern Ontario. First, Jim Saric and Pro Guide John Anderson explore the famed Ottawa River. Then, Jim, and musky hunters John Cowan and Pete Hoffmann get into a frenzy of musky activity on the Kawartha Lakes. Finally, Jim and Pro Guides Danny Colomby and Shawn Degagne tackle giant Lake Nipissing.
As musky hunters, we are all in search of that magic lure that muskies can’t resist. Unfortunately, even with a hot bait, you need to understand how and when to use it to trigger strikes. Jim Saric and Musky Guru Bob Turgeon discuss methods for triggering strikes and converting following muskies into biters.
In summer, locating muskies is not just about fishing cover, but often searching beyond the edge. Jim Saric, and Pro Guides Chris Taurisano and Andy Schiera discuss different approaches and techniques for catching open water muskies on pressured waters.
Ontario, Canada is known for it’s many large and popular musky waters, however there are many hidden gems adjacent to these famous waters that are overlooked musky hot spots. First, Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Magazine Editor Steve Heiting, and musky hunter Kevin Schmidt tackle the Indian Chain of Lakes in Northwest Ontario. Then, Jim and Musky Hunter John Cowan fish Stoco Lake in Eastern Ontario. Finally, Jim and John Cowan venture to Lake Nosbonsing north of Toronto.
