Let's begin with yourself - a life jacket that fits! Sun blocker on your ears and nose. The first saves your life, the second saves you from discomfert now skin cancer later.

Your rods are next. Take a cotton swab and run it around each guide. If it's cracked and needs to be replaced, you can have that done at better sport shops. Also have your reel oiled and refilled with new line.

Each and every time you cast and reel in your line, it hits the same friction points, and within a short time the line is weaker.

Cut a few feet of line off every time you hit a stump or tassle with a big fish, or are taking a coffee break. It seems that every one loses a big fish on old line.....be ready beforehand.

Replace the steel leader at the first hint of wear or a kink. It just does not make sense to put your whole fishing trip on the line because of three dollars for a new leader.

Sharpen those hooks, because when they are new they are not sharp enough to penetrate the mouth of most fish. Sharpen the hook point to shaft. If it won't slide off your fingernail, it's sharp.

I'll let the other fellows tell you how, when, and where to catch the fish. But after you catch one, keep your rod tip up - .don't give it any slack. Try to get your boat downwind or use the current to keep your boat from going over the fish.

Don't put the net in the water at the last minute - it will spook the fish. Put the net in front of the fish, for fish cannot back up. Pull the net close to the boat. Get your wits together, then if you plan to release the fish, check the hooks. If you can't get them out easily, then cut them.

Hold the fish horizontally and cradle it in your arms for the picture. Get the fish back into the water as soon as you can. The warmer the water temperature, the less chance they have to survive.

Wear mute colors, they can see you. When you figure-8 at the boatside, push the rod down as far as you can and make big turns. Keep quiet and don't stomp your feet or wave your arms.

Remember our children: save some for them.

Release is the way to go........

I used to fish big baits for big fish on big lakes with tandem bucktails, 10 and 12 inch jerk baits and huge suckers. Yes, they catch big fish, but give me a 6 inch Crane, No. 4 Mepps, or a 8 to 10 inch sucker and I will catch muskies big, little, and in-between.

I fish muskies for the sport and the thrill of the catch. It's a blast just to feel the strike, set the hook, and see the splash!

I twitch a Crane, race a Mepps, or put a sucker on a quick-release rig and the bonus is I catch bass, northern and walleyes in between. Muskies of all sizes will eat small lures. Big muskies eat big baits and there are only a few big muskies in each lake.

I can't say catching a big fish isn't fun. It sure is. But I got old waiting for my 51 incher.

Please learn how to release them to fight another day. Have hook cutters, long nose pliers, and jaw spreaders ready. Wet your hands or gloves so as not to remove too much of their protective covering.

Just hold your breath while you remove the hooks and take a picture. Have fun, catch a fish. You can have a reproduction made and the "beautiful beast" will still be swimming! Release is the way to go........

I feel this is one of the most effective methods of catching muskies!

THE TOOLS: A six inch CRANE, GRANDMA, or any "minnow" immitating lure. A good sevenstrand leader with a ball bearing swivel and strong line (17 to 30 pound test ). A medium to heavy action Muskie rod.

THE METHOD: a cast, leaving the lure sit until the rings on the water spread out; pulling the lure about two feet very quickly, then letting it set until you reel in the slack; waiting for the rings to dissipate, repeating the whole retrive over and over until the lure reaches the boat, then figure "8".

This is great for fishing over weeds. It's easy for youngsters, super for the older folks. It's the best method for the angler who can fish slowly.

When the Muskie hits the lure, do not set the hook -- wait until you feel the weight of the fish. If you set on the first splash, you will catch the splash! They first break the back of the bait, then catch it.

Make sure sure your hooks are sharp and your set is hard.

Fishing should be fun for all involved; if you are with a youngster make it a short and interesting event. The only rule should be: be conscious of the safety of you and your party. The catching shouldn't be the only thing. Please use a slip bobber and make sure the hook is brought up to the end of the rod. This is a safety lesson for everyone. Your youngster should start casting at home with a casting plug. This is one more thing to make the outing more enjoyable. Use a small slip bobber, weight, and a #8 hook. This makes sure you catch a fish; even a small fish is a fun thing. Let your kid know its a baby and they need to let it grow up; they will understand. If you have fun together you won't have to look for a fishing partner.

If you are fishing with a teenager they will be interested in catching fish. The size of the fish doesn't make any difference. I use spinning setup, with this rig there are no backlashes to handle. Use eight or ten pound test line and a 3/8 ounce jig with a four tailed mister twister. You will have to cut off about a quarter of a inch of the body. Insert the hook through the body and out through the middle of the four tails. Cast out and retrieve slowly. This is almost weedless because the hook is up. This setup catches fish, when this happens you win and so do they.

If you are fishing with an adult that has never fished before, great! There are no bad habits to deal with. I teach them to use a baitcasting reel. It is harder to learn, but in the end they will be able to fish with any reel. I would use a surface lure, again there is less hassle with weeds. It teaches them to fish slowly.

The biggest fault I find is most people fish to fast. They think they have only so many hours to fish; so they cast as many times as they can. They think they have a better chance of catching a fish. This is NOT TRUE, slow down; let the fish see the bait, hear it and smell it. Their ear is the line in the middle of their body, so they hear and feel extremely well. Their nose is right on edge of their face; so any odor will transfer from the water to their nose. Wash your hands with a scentless soap and keep your lures clean and out of gasoline. These things will help you catch fish.

The line size needed depends on the species your fishing for. For panfish use six pound test or less. For bass use 8 pound test. For walleye use 6 pound test. For northerns use 10 pound test with a steel leader. If your going to try for Muskies you will need a stronger rod, stronger reel and a stronger line. I use the newer composite lines with no stretch. Be sure to loosen your drag and put your thumb on the spool when you set the hook.

Your outing must be fun, please appreciate the outdoors. I hope I have helped you teach a child, wife, or friend.

I will be glad to answer any and all questions that you have.

Release is the way to go!