Before we slip too far away from the dock, I want to back up the boat a little and recap the Muskie Expo. Like every show I have been to, it was great and it was expensive. My defense is that this show is my one Taylor Swift concert of the year. (we all seek justification in our own way).

All the usual suspects were there: Team Rhino, Lax Reproductions, Musky Innovations, Musky Mayhem, Thorne Brothers, Haymaker Lures, and D-Ski Custom Baits, just to name a few. I have a strategy when I attend the show, just like I have a fishing strategy when I hit the water. It’s like driving around in the boat, viewing all the landmarks and structures on a lake while preparing a game plan. At the show I walk the entire floor, note the hotspots, and mark mental waypoints in my head to return for a closer look.
That strategy led me to my first spot: D-Ski Custom Baits, where I tried to land a new lure. I was looking for a paddle tail bait to use on Lake Vermilion this coming summer and D-Ski’s did not disappoint. I found a light pearl and blue colored bait that I hope will be as attractive to Lake Vermilion muskies as it was to me. The last question I asked was “How many casts will it take with this lure to deal with a musky?” D-Ski laughed loud and deep and finally spit out “Not many.” I like the lure and his answer.

The next purchase was at the Team Rhino booth where I actually bought another paddle tail bait. When I paid for the bait I asked the question again: “How many casts will it take with this lure to deal with a musky?” The guy working the sales counter laughed and grunted as he said: “I’ve never caught $%#@ on that lure.” I laughed and bought the lure anyway.

The last purchase I made was at Musky Innovations where I purchased a lure called a Dying Dog. It’s basically a jerk bait but just different enough from anything else in my tackle box to make it seem necessary. I was all in on the lure but when I asked the question this time the answer was unexpected and full of confidence and enthusiasm. The salesman said “THREE” and followed it up with a grin. With such an optimistic answer I replied with the first thing that came to mind: “Wanna fish Lake Vermilion with me this summer?

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