New Musky Gear Showcase
Here’s a rundown of several new musky fishing offerings from 13 Fishing, Storm, Sufix and VMC. The following items are specifically designed to perform under the punishing pressure of musky fishing and are certain to help you put more of these tenacious beasts in the boat.
OMEN MUSKY RODS
The new Omen Musky Rods are built on 13 Fishing’s legendary Japanese 36 Ton PVG Blanks, and feature tapers and designs tailored for a variety of musky presentations, from burning blades to chucking big plastics. A thick handle absorbs and controls the surging runs and powerful head shakes common when battling a musky. The Soft Touch Fuji Reel Seat provides the backbone needed to be an anchor point for the angler without sacrificing lightness or control.
The extended rear grip length is another highlight. It enhances the biomechanics of two-handed casting and assists in reducing angler fatigue. The long grip also allows an angler to sheath the handle under the arm for better stability during retrieves and more leverage.
Noteworthy, too, is 13 Fishing’s meticulous configuration of the ALPS 316 Stainless Steel Guides with Zirconia Inserts along the rod blank. This distributes load evenly and smoothly, making every inch of an Omen Musky Rod ready for conflict.
Omen Musky Rods are available in 8’6” and 9’ heavy power models as well as a 9’6” extra-heavy version. All rods are telescopic to allow for easy storage and transport.
Tip: The Concept A3 is a low profile baitcaster packing plenty of drag and strength(40 lb. bull dog drag), making it the perfect choice for pairing with Omen Musky Rods. Of course the Omen Musky will also pair up nicely with any of your favourite 400+ size baitcasters as well!
MUSKY-SIZED VMC BLADED TREBLE 1X HOOKS
Debuting for the 2023 season are the 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 Bladed Round 1X Trebles, which come Colorado, Indiana and Willow blade configurations. Forged from the finest high-carbon steel, these trebles provide superior strength and sharpness ideal for muskellunge fishing.
Changing out a factory hook for a Bladed Treble is an easy way to add more strike-triggering flash and vibration to a musky lure. And believe us, this small lure tweak is going to have a major impact on the number of musky you catch this season. VMC Bladed Round 1X Trebles produce the perfect amount of extra stimulus to push an interested musky over the edge, while still respecting the original action of the lure design.
Simply put, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by modifying your favourite musky lures with Bladed Round 1X Trebles.
Tip: One Bladed Treble per bait tends to be plenty, so be sure to stock up on VMC’s 9650 Round Bend X-Strong Treble Hooks for your other musky lure hook replacement needs.
SUBSTANTIAL SWIMBAITS
Soft baits continue to be hot lures for tempting savage attacks from big musky, and Storm Boom Shads are sure to be a hit this season. Available in 7 and 9 inch sizes, Boom Shads have a pronounced body with a tapered back quarter and a wide paddle tail. The result is a meal-sized swimbait that produces an incredible rolling action and loads of belly flash — even at low speeds. Combine this with a presentation imitating a wounded fish on the run, and the outcome is irresistible for musky. Boom Shads are finished with realistic designs and available in six prey fish inspired colours.
MORE GREAT MUSKY GEAR
If you’re a fan of fishing with high-vis line, ProMix Braid is now available in Neon Lime in strengths up to 80-pound test. Of, if you prefer low-vis line, you can’t go wrong with ProMix’s original green. ProMix is low stretch, has superior knot and sock strength, and is packed with plenty other premium line performance characteristics, making it an excellent choice for taming musky and other big predators.
While not new, the staying power of the Super Bou Series is testament to their potency to deceive big muskellunge. Super Bou lures come in either single blade or tandem blade inline spinner designs, as well as a spinnerbait option with size 8 blades — get yourself some!
The above are just a few new and noteworthy musky products from several of Rapala’s respected brands. You’ll find these and other musky fishing essentials, including catch-and-release tools, at rapala.ca or by visiting your local tackle retailer.