Muskie are very resiliant in cold water. When the water starts getting into the high 70's low 80's its time to target something else. If you are on a lake that has muskie bring some hook cutters and a large net for landing. Unhook the fish while in the net. Get camera ready, take picture and let it go. They dont have scales and are protected by a slime layer so dont let them hit the floor of the boat.

Yes to the question regarding rattle traps. Upsize your hooks or they will straighten them out and your landing rate will drop.

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