Muskie First
Published January 24, 2008

Slamr: MuskieFIRST Welcomes back Steve Worrall to the MuskieFIRST Chat Room to kick off the 2008 chat season, thanks Steve

Steve_Worrall: Evening!

muskycrazy: hey Steve

Dre322: hey

Slamr: please everyone feel free to hit Steve with some in-depth questions

Steve_Worrall: slowly...

MUSKYBOY: what's the biggest fish you saw this year?

netman: we'll be easy on ya

lambeau: Steve...perhaps start with a (brief) overview of your '07 season...i know it was a good one
.
Steve_Worrall: On the Goon, maybe that big, in WI maybe 53

Muskellunged: What is your jigging setup (i.e. line, rod, reel)
?
Steve_Worrall: I had the best year I've had in a very long time

pro_edge: tell us about your september......hear one of you favorite baits pulled through again

Steve_Worrall: fishing small lakes, looking for lakes in the prime with little or no pressure

lambeau: what made it such a great year???

Steve_Worrall: Weather, lambeau, I think, and learning some water I needed to learn

kreegz: Steve, What is your go to throwback lure?

Steve_Worrall: I had several multiple fish evenings, and the Weagle was King

Dre322: basic question here Steve but what do you see as the ideal water temp for switching from a fast presentation to a slower presentation?

Steve_Worrall: Jigging rod..
.
Steve_Worrall: Med Hvy Bass rod, 7'
Steve_Worrall: Reel...

Steve_Worrall: any spinning reel with a small body and a large spool
Steve_Worrall: line...

Steve_Worrall: 14# to 17# mono

muskellunged: thanks Steve!

Vince_Weirick: What do you consider brought you closer to your children and friends ...fishing or hunting?

Steve_Worrall: there is no 'slower' presentation for me

Steve_Worrall: fast all the way

Dre322: thanks

Steve_Worrall: throwback lure...what I have on the rod

Steve_Worrall: what the fish followed, move it differently

Steve_Worrall: Both, in equal doses, Vince

Vince_Weirick: any reason on each?

Sids_minnows: Ever ice fished the goon?

Steve_Worrall: Hunting is intensely personal, at least for seer, and really a challenge to teach

tuffdaddy: Steve, if you're fishing a jig, what types of structure do you favor?

Weedlines, Deepweeds, rocks? How would you fish each of those?

Steve_Worrall: muskie fishing isn't much different, except one can do that in the same place as one's kids and friends

lambeau: revisting the throwback question: what kind of presentation tricks do you try to use to trigger fish?

Steve_Worrall: Yes on the Goon

Steve_Worrall: Any structure, TD

Steve_Worrall: BUT
Steve_Worrall: I really like sharp breaks and weeds or big rocks

tuffdaddy: How would you fish a sharp break with a jig? On the bottom, suspended....

Steve_Worrall: triggering the fish isn't a trick, really, it's a process in my opinion

lambeau: process...?

Steve_Worrall: I use a jig as a 'jump lure', TD

Steve_Worrall: let it hit, ZIP in three handle turns keeping the rod tip pointed at the jig

Steve_Worrall: let it hit bottom, repeat

Steve_Worrall: process, yes

Dre322: Steve Have you used tubes (tiger tubes or Red October)? If so what is your type of retrive?

Steve_Worrall: each day the fish can and do behave a bit differently

Sids_minnows: Talked to a gentlemen from Dryden who kept a 47 lber from the western arm about 8 years ago fishing for pickerel. What do you think about fishing for big jacks on the goon late ice?

Steve_Worrall: tubes are basically badly shaped creatures, work the same way

tuffdaddy: So being a good jig fisherman, does that mean you like fishing cranks too? I don't hear ya talk too much about fishing cranks.

Steve_Worrall: Big jacks is what the Goon really likes to turn out

Steve_Worrall: I do fish cranks, and will more this year after the Super Pro on the Goon last year

Steve_Worrall: SO to return to the triggering deal

Sids_minnows: Yes in mid summer, slop. But what about thru the ice...........................mid lake humps at that time of year or traditional bays and shallow weeds?

Steve_Worrall: I try to trigger them the FIRST time

Steve_Worrall: each time after is harder

lambeau: what did the walleye guys on the Goon teach you about muskie fishing last summer?

Steve_Worrall: and on some days requires a speeding up

Steve_Worrall: others a slowing down

Steve_Worrall: that 4" Flicker Shads catch 53" Muskies

Steve_Worrall: every day

Steve_Worrall: and numbers of them

Steve_Worrall: it was where, not what

tuffdaddy: any particular weather conditions or h2o temps that made fish eat faster or slower triggers

Steve_Worrall: got a lesson, big time

el_anti: how do you sort out a pattern on that Moen's sewer?

Steve_Worrall: through the ice, fish the first fast break, 14 to 18'

Steve_Worrall: on the Goon

Steve_Worrall: done it, it's a blast

Steve_Worrall: water temps don't do it, actually

Steve_Worrall: weather, mostly

Steve_Worrall: light penetration, etc

Steve_Worrall: and the 'attitude' of the Muskies they have shown me

Steve_Worrall: Moen is a wonderful lake system, I love that water

Steve_Worrall: flowage

Steve_Worrall: LOTS of nice fish

Steve_Worrall: and in small areas

el_anti: what differentiates the pool for you there?
Steve_Worrall: So some days, if the fish when following, turn off if I add a bit of speed to a wabull, for example

Steve_Worrall: will convince me to use a slower glider, and give it fast but short bursts

Steve_Worrall: pool?

el_anti: most places have points, breaks, humps, stumps, flow etc ... Moen's is just a weed pit ..how do you sort it out?

Steve_Worrall: ahhh, no it is not

el_anti: help me love it ...

Steve_Worrall: it has the same structure elements, just hidden

Steve_Worrall: in 2'

el_anti: how to you sort it out

sorno: So in reality, your interpretation of their mood depends on seeing more than 1 fish?

Steve_Worrall: Sorno, yes

Steve_Worrall: no comparison, no idea

el_anti: slow down sorno ... I'm onto something here

Steve_Worrall: I have a general feel for the day, as we all might, but am frequently wrong. Moen, look for the shallow breaks of 1 to 3, and pockets of 3 surrounded by 2 or less
.
Sids_minnows: ever fish the Wabigoon River downstream from the mill? They use to have some pictures at the guard shack of a monster walleye that got stuck in the grates of the dam.

Steve_Worrall: did years ago, but haven't since

el_anti: he knows not of what he speaks...

el_anti: now, about Moen's

Steve_Worrall: yes

Slamr: Steve, what gives you the "feeling" in a day to go faster or slower?
el_anti: slow down the questions slamr ... he's not done

Steve_Worrall: Give me an approaching front, and skies darkening, the fish are going to be active, right?

Dre322: right

kreegz: I hope .

Steve_Worrall: the structure in Moens is classic slop, flowage style

Steve_Worrall: just like...exactly like...the Goon, and other places I love to fish

Steve_Worrall: weed structure, that is

el_anti: have you ever tried just ripping aggressively through ... or do you do the creature swim thing?

el_anti: and Im talking the slop now

Steve_Worrall: heavy weeds don't like jigs

tuffdaddy: They like Slammers though.

Steve_Worrall: Spinnerbaits

Steve_Worrall: surface lures

Dre322: what kind of spinner baits
?
Cowboyhannah: buzz baits on slop, Steve?

tuffdaddy: Do you fish the thick slop even in the summer, or is it more of an early and later (transition periods) pattern.

Steve_Worrall: Some buzz baits, IF the fish are going crazy

el_anti: depth related? ... or type of vegetation? ..
.
Steve_Worrall: type of veggies

el_anti: Im listening

Steve_Worrall: force one's hand to a style of lure

Steve_Worrall: match conditions
Vince_Weirick: When do you think we will be able to download movie clips to Outdoorfirst?

Steve_Worrall: now if the fish are on the edges on Moen..
.
Steve_Worrall: then all styles are fair game, run 'em along the edge

Steve_Worrall: the guy in back might get a bit irritated, though

el_anti: do you fish boom in a similar fashion or do you consider your moen's approach unique?

Steve_Worrall: Vince, we are literally just a little bit away from launching

Steve_Worrall: the testing went very well

lambeau: tell us what to expect with the new video upload site, Steve

Vince_Weirick: can you elaborate for others?

Steve_Worrall: Boom has water just like that

Steve_Worrall: and I fish it, but only when I have to

Steve_Worrall: too many anglers out there

Sids_minnows: Ever catch a musky on the Goon (excluding surrounding lakes) with an artificial lure running any deeper than 20 feet?

el_anti: like moen's LOL

Steve_Worrall: Sids, nope

Steve_Worrall: I usually am on my own on Moens

Steve_Worrall: and a dozen other little Northwoods jewels

Justin_Gaiche: Steve, would you say the fishing near your home is the best it's ever been?

Steve_Worrall: YES

Justin_Gaiche: For quantity, quality or both?

el_anti: do you use a channel on moen's? ... seems many features on boom are non-existent on moen's ... quite different?
Steve_Worrall: some because of waters coming of age, some because folks don't fish
here as much as they used to, some because of other factors, and all because of CPR

Steve_Worrall: there's a definite channel, yes
Steve_Worrall: I ice fish that alot

Steve_Worrall: SLAM the crappies

Steve_Worrall: both J

Vince_Weirick: Can you elaborate more on the video upload site?

Steve_Worrall: sure, we are launching a new website dedicated to uploading fishing and
hunting video clips for our registered users

Steve_Worrall: crystal clear playback, your own 'channel'

muskellunged: genius!

Steve_Worrall: easy to use, and should be quite a bit of fun to watch

shaley: How do you target fish you see under the ice once seasons open again?

Steve_Worrall: been working on it for three years, actually

Justin_Gaiche: With this new website, are you going to be too busy to fish on the river with me now? :-)

Steve_Worrall: shaley, those fish are in the late fall pattern

Steve_Worrall: I go back in the late fall

Steve_Worrall: one fish is in trouble

Sids_minnows: Makes you wonder what the other 73 percent of the water on the Goon deeper than 12 feet has to offer now doesnt it? Why not use live bait and allow the critters to "crow" in on your line?

Steve_Worrall: Justin, heck no

Steve_Worrall: I tried that, S

Steve_Worrall: I trolled

Steve_Worrall: and trolled

Steve_Worrall: and trolled

Steve_Worrall: and nothing

Sids_minnows: Me too

Steve_Worrall: they just plain live in the bait, and the food

Dre322: Steve just want to say thanks for all you done with this site and and all the coverage you do at the shows that some people cant get to..

Steve_Worrall: and the cover

shaley: she never shows herself in the fall or any open water that we know of

Steve_Worrall: if you see her on camera now

Sids_minnows: You do gotta wonder though when you see those monsters what percent of the time they spend out in the big lake, ay?

Steve_Worrall: she's there in late November

shaley: I fish gin clear blue water no camera needed

dcates: Steve, Kim said to tell you hello
.
Steve_Worrall: that was answered to a degree by the study up there, S

Steve_Worrall: HI!

Slamr: beyond the video upload site, Steve, what new offerings will OutdoorsFIRST be bringing to the public?

shaley: we'll work on her harder then

Steve_Worrall: in order...

Steve_Worrall: WhitetailsFIRST

Steve_Worrall: BassFIRST

Justin_Gaiche: Is there a SmallmouthFirst coming?

Ajohnson: yes Ive been waiting for the Bassfirst

Steve_Worrall: beat you to it

Steve_Worrall: the structure around SalmonFIRST

Justin_Gaiche: Do we really have to include the green ones?

Steve_Worrall: yes we do

Steve_Worrall: those are REAL fish

sorno: green = $$

Steve_Worrall: Sorno knows...

Cowboyhannah: Steve, what baits do you anticipate being your top search lures during stable weather periods for upcoming season?

Steve_Worrall: and through this all, better and continuing new technology, and better and new forums, look, etc

Steve_Worrall: Zach is a busy man

el_anti: steve ... have you , do you fish the river section below the paper mill to hat-rapids ... or have anything to offer on that underfished section of river relative to other sections musky - smallie?

Lucy: Will there be coverage from Milwaukee and what can we expect from that?

Steve_Worrall: Search lures...

Steve_Worrall: that gives me pause

sorno: any help for those of us stuck in dial-up land?

Steve_Worrall: I use the boat and my noggin to 'search''
AWH has left the room.

lambeau: Lucy...yes, we'll have reports from Milwaukee
.
Steve_Worrall: so, I guess the lures are what I expect to catch a fish on
lambeau: pics, video, etc.

kreegz: how many people usually attend the lure swap after the Milwaukee show?

shaley: how early in the season have you had sucess on the double 10's??

Steve_Worrall: I know what you mean by that, but 'search lure' is a confusing term to quite a few folks
kreegz: i agree

Justin_Gaiche: Do you believe in a search lure for a low density fish?

kreegz: i fish with a lure i hope gets eaten

Steve_Worrall: I have never thrown a 2X10 until this summer

Justin_Gaiche: Excluding tournaments.

Steve_Worrall: I'll throw them more this year, that's a fact

shaley: me either thats why I asked LOL

Steve_Worrall: low density fish means one has to look for the best water

Steve_Worrall: throw a good lure for the conditions in that water, and you will know if the fish are there and active

Justin_Gaiche: If I write search on the side of my bait, will you throw it all of the time.
Slamr: what were some suprisingly positive products that you used in 2007 that you liked, and what have you seen so far new for 2008 that catches your eye?

Steve_Worrall: that's true

netman: Steve you talked about jigs, what's your favorite jig?

Steve_Worrall: My Dads Standup jig designed in 64 positive products
...
sorno: do you fish many places where, despite what seems like obvious good spots, the fish are elsewhere?

Steve_Worrall: Okuma reels, beat them horribly, liked them a lot

Steve_Worrall: liked the Rumbler

netman: Any colors

Steve_Worrall: Liked the new Okuma telescoping rods

Steve_Worrall: liked the new 175XS Opti Max

Justin_Gaiche: I want one.

kreegz: how about lots of new hybrids... rubber lures are becoming more common

Steve_Worrall: color IS contrast to me

Steve_Worrall: Doug said it best, if it moves

Steve_Worrall: it's food

Steve_Worrall: and for electronics

Steve_Worrall: not sonars.
..
Steve_Worrall: Archos DVR and a Helmet cam

Justin_Gaiche: Steve, what would you say the 'pinnacle' of your career? Is it still coming?

Steve_Worrall: rocking combo

dave: steve is muskiefirst heading to LOTW this summer

Steve_Worrall: Justin, I don't have a clue

Steve_Worrall: my career is, as I see it, a constant work in progress

Vince_Weirick: I second the combo, Steve!

Justin_Gaiche: It's all been good!

kreegz: im going to LOTW this summer

Steve_Worrall: LOTW, no, not this year

kreegz: I believe Muskiefirst is going to Vermillion

Steve_Worrall: Yes

Steve_Worrall: and I'm going to the Goon

Steve_Worrall: twice

Steve_Worrall: YES!!
!
Steve_Worrall: the big plastics are interesting

Steve_Worrall: do they prove big baits =big fish?
Sids_minnows: The "hardcore" experienced/trophy hunter that you are, why do you do devote such time; responding, politely in every fashion and so openly???? You're fingers must be cramped from typing continually!

Steve_Worrall: or are they used where the big fish ARE more?

Slamr: Steve, can you tell us a few quick, or in depth tips as to how people can have better boat control?

jlong: What are some examples of Big Plastics?

dave: kreegz where you staying

Steve Worrall: Indian Point Camp

Steve_Worrall: jlong, anything that is 12" or longer, I guess, some of that stuff weighs in at 16 ounces to 32 ounces

kreegz: canadian haven

jlong: gotcha

Steve_Worrall: boat control is a matter of reading the water

Steve_Worrall: can't control the boat well if you can't read the water
dave: in at sabaskong bay lodge

lambeau: Steve...what do yo think is the appeal about the various MuskieFirst outings? what do the MuskieFirst outings have to offer that makes them so special from your perspective?

Steve_Worrall: and can't read the water unless one has the gear and knows how to use it

Ajohnson: its to bad you couldnt make it my Muskie club to have a seminar on boat control Steve...

Ajohnson: it got cancelled

Steve_Worrall: for sure, some day, man

kreegz: how easy is it for a guy with out a boat to tag along on one of the Muskiefirst trips?

Steve_Worrall: the Outings are not for MuskieFIRST

Steve_Worrall: they are for you folks
Steve_Worrall: and there it is

Sids_minnows: Check out Larry Dahlberg's Hunt for Big Fish Site, he, as well as yourself, answer all questions...........no matter how simple (some would consider stupid) with class in all ways.

Steve_Worrall: very easy

dcates: any good way to improve the learning curve for electronics?

Steve_Worrall: nice people, at the outings

Steve_Worrall: YES Dave

kreegz: i'd love to go this year, but i already had that week booked for LOTW

Steve_Worrall: watch the new video upload site for a cooperative project between the true MASTER of electronics and mapping software, Doc Samson, and Aqua VU

Steve_Worrall: you'll learn a ton

shaley: Doc will shorten your learning curve for sure

Vince_Weirick: any muskiefirst outings in Indiana?

sorno: Hopeful knows

dcates: how soon will Doc Samson be "up"?

Steve_Worrall: he will be placing all sorts of cool videos on the new website

Slamr: probably no on an M1st Indiana Outing this year

Steve_Worrall: Vince, we need to look at that, for the near future

el_anti: on the ice this weekend Steve?

Steve_Worrall: yes I am, thank goodness, the shows gave me a short break

Slamr: Steve, if there is ONE bit of advice that you would give to newer muskie fisherman, what would that be?

Steve_Worrall: Dahlberg is a great educator and a nice guy too

Steve_Worrall: listen to those who have experience

Steve_Worrall: read all one can

Dre322: Steve what is the best book you can suggest that would help the beginners learning curve other than the complete guide to musky hunting?

Steve_Worrall: make sure one has quality gear

kreegz: slamr, since i was new a few years ago... i can say i learned a TON by visiting this site

tb: and troll with TB on the bay...if you want a 50

tb: cause HE can't catch one

Steve_Worrall: and above all, get time on the water out fishing, the greatest teacher of all is experience

kreegz: the quality of responses, the context of all the posters on the boards beats all the other muskie sites

Steve_Worrall: tb, you are just generous

tb: yea, that's it.

tb: some days more than others

Steve_Worrall: Books

Steve_Worrall: well, they are all good reading

Sids_minnows: The best fishermen don't follow the flock! Al Linder stated three things all great fisherman have that arent related to the tackle box........Faith, Patience and Persistence!

Steve_Worrall: some are from one perspective, others try to give all

Steve_Worrall: just read anything Muskie

dave: steve whats the best lake you fished for muskie

Got_Esox?: Lake X

Steve_Worrall: best is a relative term

kreegz: Lake X is located in X county right?
Steve_Worrall: I have several within 1 couple minutes of my house that are pretty incredible, right TJ?

kreegz: off of Hwy X

el_anti: tj? ... what's the best lake Steve has ever fished ... lol

Steve_Worrall: and others I deam about

Merckid: haha

Steve_Worrall: like the Goon, Minaki, LOTW..
.
Ajohnson: whats the biggest ski taken out of lake x?

Steve Worrall: 54

Justin_Gaiche: My advice is to be a sponge everytime your around Steve. Absorb everything you can.

el_anti: how bout the river below the papermill to hat rapids .
..
Steve_Worrall: there are about 10 lake x-s

el_anti: ?????

kreegz: any suggestions on some one fishing LOTW sab. bay for the first time in mid july???

lambeau: Steve...you fish a lot of relatively small lakes (less than 1000 acres) in NE WI and manage to consistently find big fish. what do you look for when selecting/seeking out lakes with trophy potential?

Steve_Worrall: kreegs, sure

Steve_Worrall: topwater everywhere

dcates: Steve - Any speaking engagements coming up?

Steve_Worrall: 4" crankbaits on the rock walls, look for cracks and cast at them

VMS: O.K. Steve, what lake is one you would love to try but have not yet...(anywhere for ski;s)

el_anti: don't drive past Rhinelander ... like 80% of the travelers do

shaley: good luck with top water here no ones been able to make it work yet

Steve_Worrall: hair in the bays and topwater in the bays

Steve_Worrall: Lake I would like to try..
.
Steve_Worrall: really I have tried the ones I want badly to fish

sorno: Dane wants to know if you like to fish muskies w/ your Grand kids

Steve Worrall: Sorno, you bet

Steve_Worrall: no time to look around for new ones, too many left i need to visit I have figured out

Sids_minnows: If you need freezer space for a 63 incher in Dryden, look me up.............. Darrell

Steve_Worrall: hehehe

Steve_Worrall: not likely, sir, but the beer will be cold I bet

kreegz: i'd rather eat a 24" pike mmmmmm

Justin_Gaiche: Steve, are you excited about the direction our sport is going?

el_anti: sids ... do something about that 40 dollar case o' beer eh

Steve_Worrall: looking forward to the Can Am PWT up there

Merckid: me too

Steve_Worrall: Justin I really am

Justin_Gaiche: Me too.

Steve_Worrall: as a segment, muskie angling is growing quickly

Steve_Worrall: but spread across the country

Justin_Gaiche: Are you ok with how fuel prices will affect it?

shaley: what if any impact will the pending recession make ?

Steve_Worrall: Europe has dealt with high fuel prices for years

Steve_Worrall: they seem to do ok

tb: you will simply have to plan more and fish smarter

Steve_Worrall: we will adapt, the economy will change some to do that, and equipment will change too

Justin_Gaiche: Are you going to run vegetable oil in your next diesel?

Steve_Worrall: recession is largely a cycle, of which I have seen a few

Got_Esox?: Steve, can you touch on a few things we should all keep in mind while on the water with the increase in popularity of Musky Angling
.
Steve_Worrall: this too shall pass, as a smart guy once said

Steve_Worrall: on the water...

Steve_Worrall: courtesy

Steve_Worrall: share the knowledge and the conservation ideal

Steve_Worrall: do it well, and honestly

Steve_Worrall: not the chest pounding noisy bull I see so often

Steve_Worrall: TAKE someone fishing, someone who has never gone

Steve_Worrall: and above all, remember it's supposed to be fun

Justin_Gaiche: I see bass and walleye industries try hard to recruit youth, is musky fishing missing on that?
.
Dre322: do you beleve in the spring go small theory?

Steve_Worrall: Justin, not as bad as one might think, but we have a long way to go

Steve_Worrall: 32, no

Steve_Worrall: the fish eat what is in front of them

kreegz: most muskie anglers were raised muskie fishing, now its stepping out of that

shaley: so your saying any size may go in the spring?

Steve_Worrall: the small bait thing had more to do with the fish being shallow
dcates: Justin - MI chapters work with tens of thousands of kids annually!

Viince_Weirick: As a guide...what is the best way (advertising) you have found to increase your client pool?

Steve_Worrall: not a sudden desire of a 50" fish to eat 3" minnows

Steve_Worrall: word of mouth, Vince

kreegz: steve, any suggestions on ways not to catch 20" pike on 10" suicks?

Steve_Worrall: muskie anglers talk alot, and now REALLY talk alot with the internet

Steve_Worrall: nope, K, just eat those northerns, i guess, so they become a bonus

el_anti: your league team has struggled the past few years ... how will you raise their level of play this year?

el_anti: is Norm's injuries hurting your chances?

kreegz: yeah, if they didn't taste good... Id be REALLY mad

el_anti: will he retire or return for another season?

Steve_Worrall: Sue was off her oats, Norm was hurt, we will be back now that they are both fixed up

kreegz: ok time to finish my work and get outta here for the night
. !
Slamr: MuskieFIRST thanks Steve Worrall for another great chat. Thanks for making the time Steve, and we hope to see you all next week when Jason Sloan of Badfish Outdoors is our guest

baldy: yo

Steve_Worrall: A pleasure

Steve_Worrall: BALDY!

dcates: Thanks, Steve

Ajohnson: thanx steve!!!

Vince_Weirick: Thanks again, Steve! .

Cowboyhannah: ditto

Justin_Gaiche: And I love MI dearly for it.

Justin_Gaiche: Good point.

Justin_Gaiche: Thanks Steve, always a pleasure.

baldy: hey steve. baits heading your way soon

Merckid: thanks dad


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