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.
2026 Notable Musky Season Tournament Schedule
2026 Notable Musky Season Tournament Schedule
New for 2026: The Livingston Triple Threat
These lures are definitely the next evolution of musky fishing.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late January 2026
Ice fishing in the Minocqua, Wisconsin area has been exceptional so far this season.
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.
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
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.
Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Big Carr Lake
Big Carr Lake will help you ride the wave, so you won’t miss out on any angling when the big freeze sets in.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late November 2025
And let’s be honest: the dream of hooking a giant musky never leaves your mind.
Where Do Muskies Go After Fall Turnover? Unlocking Winter Fishing Secrets
we'll dive into the depths (pun intended) to reveal how to track these trophy fish through the winter transition, blending timeless wisdom with fresh insights for 2025.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Early November 2025
Here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, fall has been spectacular.
Musky Shop's Northwoods Lake of the Month: Wilson Lake
Nestled in Iron County, Wilson Lake stands as a serene, under-the-radar gem just southwest of Mercer, Wisconsin.
Guide to Musky Fishing in October: Tips and Strategies
October is a pivotal month for musky fishing, offering both challenges and opportunities.
Mastering Fall Musky Trolling: Essential Tips and Gear for Trophy Catches
In this guide, we'll outline the must-have gear to get you started, along with optional additions to enhance your setup.
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Mid October 2025
Fall is a magical season for anglers, with vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures setting the stage for unforgettable fishing adventures.
Fall Musky Fishing: Tips to Catch Trophy Muskellunge
If you haven’t looked out your window lately, let me be the first to remind you it’s fall, folks.
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Musky Baits: Size, Performance, and Color Tips for Trophy Catches
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Musky Baits: Size, Performance, and Color Tips for Trophy Catches
Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late September 2025
As early fall arrives, we hope you’re finding time to fish and perhaps planning a trip to the Minocqua, Wisconsin area.
