Green Bay Muskies

Few places on earth offer the daily opportunity to catch multiple muskies over 50 inches. Although muskies reside in the Green Bay area year-round, fish typically congregate in the bay starting in late August. September is often the best period, after perch and migrating schools of gizzard shad relocate ahead of the winter months.

We've caught muskies over 50 inches on every trip, but giants weighing 40 to 50 pounds (54- to 56-inches) are mixed among the fleet of monsters that lurk there this time of year. We won't be surprised if a record-breaking fish eventually gets landed here in the near future.

Green Bay muskies can be caught both casting and trolling. It's a lot of water, which is the main reason why experienced guides like to troll using planer boards and as many lines as legally possible in order to locate fish. Smaller size (5- to 6-inch) Jakes, Bucher Shallow Raiders, and Rapala Super Shads all work — but don't leave your big trolling baits at home. Larger 13- and 14-inch wide wobble cranks also produce.

For casting, guide Capt. Bret Alexander and others prefer casting large double-bladed spinners, like the Spanky Baits Fireball, but the smaller Firebird produces, too.  Magnum Bull Dawgs are always a top options and produce particularly well on cold front days.

Contact: Capt. Brett Jolly, wisconsinfishingguideservice.com, 715/581-5678; Capt. Bret Alexander, alexandersportfishing.com, 920/851-4214.

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