Musky Shop Blog
Muskie Fishing in Minnesota: Ultimate Guide to Trophy Muskies on Leech Lake, Lake of the Woods & More
Minnesota's muskie fishing scene stands out for its diversity and quality, offering anglers a mix of expansive natural fisheries, trophy potential, and varied approaches across seasons and waters.
Get Prepped for Muskie Season Opener: Essential Tools from Musky Shop
As the muskie season opener approaches, every dedicated angler knows the difference between a great day on the water and a frustrating one often comes down to having the right tools. Quick, safe hook removal, accurate measurements, sharp hooks, and on-the-spot repairs keep the focus on fishing—not fumbling with gear. Musky Shop, the world's largest retailer of musky tackle, stocks some of the best tools trusted by pros and guides alike.
Here’s a roundup of must-have tools to get your boat ready, emphasizing fish safety, efficiency, and durability for those trophy muskies.
1. Reck-N-Rack Bump Board
Accurate length measurements are crucial for photos, records, and catch-and-release. The Reck-N-Rack Bump Board is built from marine-grade plastic with machine-etched markings that won't fade or peel. It's wipeable, stain-resistant, antibacterial, and folds neatly for storage with stainless steel hinges for lifelong durability.
Available in black or white—perfect for quick, reliable measurements.
2. Knipex Hook Cutters
When a big muskie is thrashing with a deep hook, speed matters to minimize stress and injury. Knipex Hook Cutters deliver one-handed, effortless cuts on heavy hooks. These German-made tools are built to last a lifetime with proper oiling and care.
Choose standard or spring-loaded for even easier use.
3. Ugly Stik 90 Degree Tuff Grip Pliers
For deeply lodged baits or hooks, leverage and grip are everything. These 90-degree angled pliers provide better visibility and control, with ergonomic Tuff Grip handles that stay secure even when wet and slippery. Spring-loaded for one-hand operation and rugged enough for tough musky fights.
4. Xuron Split Ring Pliers
Hands down the best for musky anglers—precise, lightweight, and durable. These USA-made pliers handle all split-ring sizes effortlessly, with ergonomic, non-slip grips and a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee. Ideal for quick hook or blade swaps.
5. Boomerang Original Snip Tool
Need to cut line fast during rigging or leader changes? The Boomerang Original Snip cuts clean through braid, mono, or fluoro, with a retractable design that clips to a lanyard or pocket—stays out of the way until you need it.
6. Smity Hook Sharpener
Sharp hooks mean better hooksets and less tearing—essential for muskie's tough mouths. Smity sharpeners feature comfortable wooden handles and come in flat file styles (including rust-resistant options) to get trebles needle-sharp. Easy to keep on the boat for regular touch-ups.
Explore Smity Hook Sharpeners in Tools Section (search "Smity" on site for variants)
7. Eagle Torch
Soft plastics take a beating from pike or toothy muskies—broken tails happen. This compact butane torch provides high heat for quick on-water repairs: melt and fuse tails back together in seconds. Long-lasting and reliable.
8. Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders
Deep hooks require a safe jaw opening technique to avoid injury during unhooking. Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders are fish-friendly, easy to use, and help reduce mortality by keeping the mouth open without damaging the fish. Durable design—just store dry after use.
Tyrant Tackle Jaw Spreaders in the Tools Section (check site for current stock)
Stocking up on these tools means you're prioritizing quick releases, fish health, and your own efficiency—key for sustainable muskie fishing. Head over to Musky Shop to grab them before the opener. Our tools section has everything, often bundled or paired with related gear.
Mastering the Barometer: How Pressure Changes Lock Up Muskies (and How to Unlock Them)
he answer often boils down to invisible atmospheric shifts that make muskies go neutral or lockjaw.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early February 2026
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early February 2026
2026 Musky Season Prep Guide: Get Your Gear Battle Ready Now
Preparation now ensures your gear will be in prime condition when it matters most.
New for 2026: The Livingston Triple Threat
These lures are definitely the next evolution of musky fishing.
Beneath the Ice: How Winter Changes Musky Behavior
Cold water fundamentally changes how muskellunge function.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late January 2026
Ice fishing in the Minocqua, Wisconsin area has been exceptional so far this season.
Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake stands out as a versatile 581-acre gem in Oneida County, Wisconsin
Musky Release Mortality: What Actually Harms Musky During Catch & Release
But here’s the hard truth: not every released musky survives, and that’s life.
Best Line Counter Reels for Serious Musky Trolling
Success in trolling depends on precision, and precision demands accuracy.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early January 2026
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early January 2026
Why Do Muskies Porpoise?
Porpoising refers to when a muskellunge swims near or at the surface with its head (and sometimes back or dorsal fin) partially or fully out of the water
Navigating the Northwoods of Wisconsin on Snowmobile: Best Places to Visit
he Northwoods of Wisconsin is a winter paradise for snowmobilers, boasting over 25,000 miles of groomed trails across the state, with some of the finest and most scenic riding in the Midwest concentrated in the northern regions.
Ultimate Guide to Ice Fishing for Crappie
Ice fishing for crappie offers thrilling action, especially when targeting suspended schools in deeper water during mid-winter.
Ultimate Guide to Early Ice Fishing for Walleye: Top Tips and Strategies
Early ice fishing marks an exciting start to the winter season, especially for targeting walleye.
Bucket List: Ice Fishing Lakes to Visit During the 2025 & 2026 Ice Season
These lakes not only promise great fishing but also memorable winter escapades amid nature's frozen beauty.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early December 2025
Ice fishing season is officially underway in the Northwoods of Wisconsin!
Vertical Jigging for Musky: A Northwoods Wisconsin Game-Changer
Sharp Northwoods musky hunters are discovering that dropping a jig straight down can trigger ferocious strikes when nothing else gets a follow.
Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing 2025: Tips for First-Timers in the North Woods
Here’s everything a rookie needs to stay safe, have fun, and actually catch fish.