Save Money on Muskie Lures

Muskie lures generally run from $10 to $20, a price the budget-minded angler would like to avoid. There are alternatives. Half-ounce jigs tipped with a large plastic shad body can be deadly on muskies. The cost can be less than a dollar. Large spoons can be bought for a couple of dollars and will take plenty of the big toothy predators. Live bait is cheaper yet. Hook a chub or sucker through the lips and then let it swim freely under a bobber. Spoons are irresistable to most fish and fortunately come in a variety of sizes. Tiny spoons that can be tossed with ultra-light spinning gear are a great summer bait for trout and salmon. Crappies, big bluegills and other sunfish will fall for a tiny wobbling spoon as well. Bigger spoons are notorious bass and pike killers and can make for great mid-summer to late fall fishing. Minnow baits like Rapalas, Thunder Sticks and Yozuris will also take a number of different fish. Any time during the open water season is stickbait time. A few lures in the tacklebox can handle most of the fish. Most of the multi-species baits aren't that expensive, either.