Tips for the State HS Muskie Tournament



1.
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before the tournament. Remember to pack yourself a lunch and include beverages.

2.
Make sure you follow the new state law and have your drain plugs out when you transport your boat. Make sure you put them in before you launch and take them out for the drive home.

3.
Always think safety. Keep a clean boat. Start the day with a plan. Wear your life vest whenever the boat is moving with your big motor.

4.
Make sure you have all your equipment checked and laid out before you arrive at the Cat Tails on the west side of Lake Bemidji. This includes a hat, lip balm, bandaids, sunscreen, and sun glasses.

5.
We will meet at the launch at 5:30 a.m. to go over instructions. This will include measuring procedures and the cell phone numbers of the judge’s boats.

6.
Make sure you have all needed safety equipment, such as life vests, a whistle or horn, and a cellphone. You should also verify that you have a net and pliers.

7.
Try to take hooks out of the fish while in the net and keep the fish in the water.

8.
There is a major from 10:30 – 12:30 a.m.

9.
Handle your boats safely and if you are not familiar with the lake, watch for buoys marking reefs and islands. Remember that a parent/adult can run the boat for you, but they cannot offer tips, suggestions, or help, just run the boat.

10.
If you experience any issues on the water, contact a judge’s boat.

11.
At 1:00 p.m. we will meet at the launch for pictures and the award’s ceremony.

12.
These are pressured fish and they frequently see the same lures presented to the same locations and in the same manner. Think out of the box.

13.
There is a pretty good map and information in the Minnesota Muskie Fishing Map Guide.

14.
Milfoil can be your friend or your enemy. But, make sure you are not transporting any from lake to lake.

15.
Check the muskie websites to see where/when the bite is. Ask someone who has fished the lake.

16.
Have fun and enjoy the event!

17.
If you have any questions, contact me at tomk@usiwireless.com