Rigging Your Muskie Boat

Rigging Your Muskie Boat by James Smith
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Let’s draw some parameters and establish some facts before we get too deep into this topic. First, we need to understand that there does not exist “the Ultimate Muskie Boat”. The reasons for this are as many and as varied as those of us who own our boat. For most of us it’s the size of the water we fish. Big water usually mandates bigger boats, more power, more sophisticated electronics, most likely a fiberglass hull, etc. Next, it may be the way we fish. If we guide other fishermen we are probably going to want a different boat than if we fish alone. As a guide, we are going to need more room, more storage areas, (we need to have rods and rain suite for our clients, plus room for everything they bring along). Of course the bottom line is usually cost. If we are being paid for our services we feel we can afford a little more.

What I think we need to understand here is why muskie fishermen make the choices they do. Why does one person choose a bass type, low profile boat, and the next one has a walleye type? What are the advantages of fiberglass over aluminum? What role does boat length play in the decision process? What difference does a console vs. a tiller make? What are the important accessories, why do I need them and most of all where should they go on my boat?

Well, let’s sort some of this out and see if we can’t make some sense out of all of this. Usually, the first thing you’ll want to consider is whether you want a glass boat or an aluminum hull. Price is the important consideration here. Fiberglass boats generally cost more than a similar boat with an aluminum hull. Look at where you’re fishing. If your’re fishing the Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods or the Turtle Flambeau Flowage you may decide upon an aluminum boat. Hull repairs from underwater logs and skaggs cost less to repair. On the other hand if you are traveling long distances across open water to where you are fishing you may choose the comfort of a fiberglass boat.

Next, choice seems to be tiller vs. console. Strangely enough this seems to be a regional “thing”. If you are from Wisconsin you’ll choose a console. The guys from Minnesota and the guides seem to prefer the tiller model boats. The guides can place their clients in the front of the boat so they can have the first water. The guide can control everything from the back of the boat with the tiller models. It appears to be about a 60%/40% split in favor of tillers over consoles and the main reason given is more room in a tiller model.

Probably the most important single item when deciding on a muskie boat is casting platforms. Since most muskie fishing is done with a partner you’ll want platforms in both the front and the back. Obviously if you are running a tiller there will be a lot of room in the back to cast but, no platform. Most of the rest of us seem to prefer the console models, generally just a single console. This way we can run across the lake to where we want to fish, shut the motor off, raise the motor out of the water and from there move your operations to the front deck. Dump the trolling motor in the water and probe all the hot spots. Most of us have some sort of electronics at the bow. Usually the transducer for your depth finder or fish finder is mounted on the bottom of the trolling motor.

The next consideration seems to be height of the gunnels. The lower profile boats similar to the bass type boats offers easier access to your fish for releasing. These boats appear to be less wind resistant so will hold their position better. On the other hand in rough weather or high waves the higher the sides the dryer you’ll be. This is also true in big water where you’re going longer distances to your favorite fishing hole. The important thing here is to size “up” your trolling motor. If you are fishing from a walleye type boat with the higher gunnels and higher profile in the water then you might consider a bigger trolling motor. This will help you hold your position and control your boat easier, especially in the wind.

Your next consideration will be length. I would say the average length will be 16’-18’ for most muskie fishing. If you are going to fish big water consider stepping up to a larger boat, from 19’-21’. For small lakes like we have in Colorado a john boat or “buster boat” are the ticket. These boats will be in the 10’-12’ range. Some of our lakes will only allow you to have an electric motor for power. A smaller aluminum boat works best here.

The bottom line is buying the most boat that you can comfortably afford. You will find that the initial cost was the easiest to afford. If you can’t afford a new boat there are a zillion good deals on used boats out there. You’re just going to have to look long and hard to find just what you want.

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