The surface bait lineup in musky angling is often overlooked, but it can be effective for larger fish. In this video, Cory Allen discusses topwater musky lures and their "fish catching ability" and their nuanced controls. He also emphasizes the importance of slow working, as slow lures may not be enough. By focusing on their minimal actions, anglers can learn from the best and become smarter in their musky angling.
Muskie - Slow Topwater Lures with Cory Allen
(00:35:24)Summary
Focus on Disturbance: When fishing topwater lures for musky, the emphasis is often on the disturbance the bait creates.
Natural vs. Audacious: While many aim for a natural feel, it's essential to note that natural occurrences often create less commotion than our baits.
Conditioned Muskie: In certain situations, larger muskie can become conditioned to ignore loud disturbances.
Overlooked Aspect: Using topwater lures efficiently at slower speeds is a neglected aspect of musky fishing.
Sensory Perception: Muskie's sensory perception is far superior to ours, and they don't always need a disturbance to notice a lure.
Working Speed: Working topwater lures at super slow speeds can reveal how many fish are missed by using baits too quickly.
When fishing topwater lures for musky, a key theme emerges: disturbance. Anglers often desire to see a bait create some form of commotion. They're looking for something that:
- Plops
- Sloshes
- Buzzes
While there's a time for audacity, many overlook the essence of the natural. Most things in nature create far less commotion than even our subtlest baits. In pressured situations, larger muskies can become conditioned to ignore loud disturbances, except under ideal conditions. The most overlooked aspect? Using topwater lures efficiently at slower speeds.
Many anglers get lost in the sights and sounds of their surface lures. They forget the primary advantage of topwater: the ability to control speed. The two best methods? Letting something:
- Sit directly on the bottom
- Float on the surface
Working topwater lures at a painstakingly slow pace taps into the lure's potential. Remember, a musky's sensory perception in its world is far superior to ours. Less disturbance can often lead to more attention from the fish.
Going super slow with topwater baits reveals how many fish we miss by working too fast. It allows you to maximize every cast. Larger fish might only slightly touch the back of a super slow-moving topwater. Evaluating a topwater should start with its performance at the slowest speeds.
Musky Lures Vol. 3 features Cory Allen discussing topwater lures with unique traits for super slow action. Discover why Cory recommends fishing lures from:
- H2O Tackle
- Suick
- TR Custom
- Craig Sandell
These designers are among the best in the muskie fishing world. Always remember: what you consider slow might not be slow enough.
Why is there a focus on "disturbance" in topwater lures?
Disturbance refers to the commotion a bait creates in the water, which can attract musky. This can include actions like plopping, sloshing, or buzzing.
Working a lure painstakingly slow means to move it at a very controlled and reduced speed, often slower than most anglers typically would. This can sometimes attract more attention from fish.
Cory Allen is featured in Musky Lures Vol. 3 and is known for discussing topwater lures with unique traits. He is an advocate for super slow action and recommends lures from various renowned designers.
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Cory Allen, known affectionately as the Tennessee Muskie Authority (TMA), is the epitome of deep knowledge and expertise in the field of muskie fishing. This moniker, a witty reference to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), holds a geographical connection with the Tennessee River drainage basin. It is this very area, stretching from southwest Kentucky to north Georgia and encompassing parts of northeast Mississippi, Virginia, and North Carolina, where Allen's muskie fishing mastery shines brightest.
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